The MMA promotion PFL recently announced its plan to create a competition for African fighters.
The Professional Fighters League [PFL] held this unveiling in Lagos as it launched a new section called PFL Africa. The new sect will join other parts of PFL, like PFL Europe and PFL MENA, which are evolving to become a worldwide platform for MMA.
The news was announced by PFL CEO Peter Murray, who disclosed that the expansion will include investments for 12 months and a prize money of $1 million for the winners.
The new addition is a way to give African fighters more visibility and a global stage to showcase their talent and launch Africa further into the MMA world.
“The PFL is excited to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise, as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA,” Murray stated. “Africa is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world, including our league chairman Francis Ngannou, and some of the greatest fans in the sport. PFL Africa aims to serve the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market. Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners, we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.
“This is really about providing the athletes the opportunity to compete and earn a living as professional athletes. PFL Africa is an established African entity that will be led by an African management like Francis [Ngannou]. It is a true African company that we are launching.
“In the long term, we will develop not only talents that we sign into the league but also amateur fighters and give them the opportunity to become professionals.”
The new chairman, Francis Ngannou, is a Cameroonian-French fighter who formerly held the position of UFC heavyweight champion. The athlete recently signed a contract with PFL that gives him leadership responsibilities in PFL Africa. Following this news, Ngannou released a statement stating his thoughts and appreciation for the opportunity.
“I am excited and honored to serve as chairman of PFL Africa. A league that will shape the very foundation of Africa MMA. As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content tp a region with such a passionate and diverse fan base.”
The newly established promotion will include regular seasons and playoffs and will feature top fighters from around Africa. It will be the first of its kind on the continent and holds high promises of being a longstanding venture.
