PFL Africa: Nigerian police officer Juliet Ukah eyes MMA history

Founded in the US in 2017, the PFL already has circuits in America and Europe alongside a combined Middle East and North Africa league.

Cameroon-born MMA icon Francis Ngannou was made chairman of PFL Africa when it was introduced last year, having joined the promotion after leaving the UFC, where he had been heavyweight champion.

The PFL is known for its tournament format, giving fighters the chance to advance through regular season, play-offs and championship stages in pursuit of reaching a final for titles.

“The opportunity for fighters is right here in Africa – to train, live and compete here on the biggest global scale that the continent has ever seen in terms of combat sports,” said Loren Mack, the promotion’s senior vice-president.

“PFL Africa’s commitment to the continent of Africa is certainly the biggest commitment for combat sport that Africa has ever seen.”

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa when the plans were first announced, PFL chief executive Peter Murray said the promotion would invest in athlete development, coaching and training spaces under Ngannou’s leadership.

South Africa-born Frans Mlambo – who is on the card in Cape Town and is a long-time sparring partner of two-time UFC champion Conor McGregor – added that the talent waiting to be discovered in the country is “unbelievable”.

The inaugural PFL Africa tournament will feature 24 fighters from 14 African countries, with their second event taking place in Johannesburg on 9 August.

“The biggest challenges MMA fighters face in Africa are facilities, equipment and sponsors,” Ukah explained.

“PFL has come into the picture. It means a lot to me because now is when I start my career.

“It’s a good platform for me to showcase my talent.”