Nkosi Ndebele edges out Simbarashe Hokonya in split decision victory. PFL Africa event took place on October 18, 2025 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda marking a major showcase of Africa MMA talent. The venue, renowned for hosting top-tier international sporting events, provided a fitting stage for a high-stakes night of semifinal action as fighters competed for a spot in the tournament finals. Nkosi Ndebele fought Simbarashe Hokonya in the main event.
Round one had Hokonya landed several low kicks, dropping Ndebele early. They clinched along the fence, and Hokonya was warned for grabbing shorts. Ndebele landed a left hand and pressed Hokonya back, while Hokonya answered with more kicks and punches. They kept trading clinches, fence control and trips, with both briefly falling after a throw attempt.
Round 2 started and Ndebele used jabs and kicks, while Hokonya landed low kicks and pressed him into the fence. After a brief pause for an eye poke, they traded again. Hokonya shot for a takedown, but Ndebele tripped him and took his back, staying in backpack position while threatening a rear-naked choke until the round ended.
It got to the final round and Ndebele used jabs and kicks, while Hokonya landed low kicks and pressed him into the fence. After a brief pause for an eye poke, they traded again. Hokonya shot for a takedown, but Ndebele tripped him and took his back, staying in backpack position while threatening a rear-naked choke until the round ended.
The co-main event also featured Shido Boris Esperanca and Octave Ayinda. The two went straight into a clinch and traded. A big left hand from Ayinda dropped Esperança, but Esperança scrambled, took Ayinda’s back and locked in a body triangle while landing left hands and looking for the choke. Ayinda turned out and got back to his feet, but Esperança dragged him down again and stayed on the back, trying to flatten him out.
Esperança landed strikes from back control with heavy top pressure, then flattened Ayinda out and threw strong punches. Ayinda turned to his back, and Esperança threatened an arm-triangle while continuing to rain down shots until the referee stopped the fight.
Main Card
Nkosi Ndebele def. Simbarashe Hokonya via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Shido Boris Esperança def. Octave Ayinda via R1 TKO, 3:46
Justin Clarke def. Maxwell Djantou Nana via R3 SUB (Tap to strikes), 3:09
Patrick Ocheme def. Abdoul Razac Sankara via Split Decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
Abraham Bably def. Joffie Houlton via R1 TKO, 4:08
Karim Henniène def. Boule Godogo via R3 KO, 4:21
Yabna N’tchala def. Emilios Dassi via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
Wasi Adeshina def. Dwight Joseph via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
James Opio vs Isaac Omeda ends via DRAW (28-28×3)
Abdoullah Kane def. Emmanuel Mukam by KO, Round 1, 0:23
Alain Majorique def. Mohamed Camara by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
