The Professional Fighters League has added another African talent to its growing roster, signing Morocco’s Sanaa Mandar in a move that could prove to be a major turning point in her mixed martial arts career.
For a fighter who has steadily built her reputation across the African MMA scene, the deal represents both recognition for her achievements and an opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Mandar enters the PFL with a professional record of 3-2. While the numbers may not immediately jump off the page, her journey tells the story of a fighter who has consistently improved with every outing. After suffering a first-round TKO loss to France’s Nora Cornolle during her professional debut at UAE Warriors in 2023, many fighters would have struggled to recover. Mandar instead used the setback as motivation and returned stronger.
Her resurgence began in November 2024 when she secured her first professional victory with a first-round armbar submission over Theresa Ajiboye at AKO 6. The win showcased her composure and grappling ability, giving fans a glimpse of her potential.
Mandar followed that performance with back-to-back unanimous decision victories over Marie Mengue and Joy Ebanda Obanla, extending her winning streak to three fights. Those victories highlighted another side of her game: the ability to maintain a strong pace, execute a game plan, and win rounds consistently over experienced opposition.
Her momentum was halted in August 2025 when she dropped a unanimous decision to Nigerian standout Jane Osigwe in an AKO bantamweight title fight. Despite the loss, Mandar showed toughness and durability by going the full five rounds in the biggest test of her career at the time.
Beyond MMA, Mandar arrives in the PFL with an impressive combat sports pedigree. The Moroccan athlete has enjoyed success in sambo and judo, winning multiple African sambo titles and establishing herself as one of the continent’s most accomplished female combat athletes.
Being signed by the PFL gives Mandar access to a global platform and a level of visibility she has never had before. Competing under the PFL banner means facing higher-caliber opposition, gaining international exposure, and potentially positioning herself among the top female fighters in Africa.
The signing also comes at an important time for African MMA. As the PFL continues investing in African talent, fighters like Mandar have a chance to showcase the depth of talent emerging from the continent.
