The Big Top Arena in Carnival City, Johannesburg, roared with excitement as eight fighters secured their spots in the PFL Africa semifinals. The night showcased Africa’s elite Featherweights and Welterweights delivering highlight-reel finishes and dominant performances.

Ocheme and Esperanca headline semifinal march

In the main event, Patrick Ocheme (7-1) overcame a slow start to defeat Mohamed Camara (5-3-1) via unanimous decision. After a tight opening round, Ocheme dropped Camara in the second and controlled the fight to secure his place in the Featherweight final four.

The co-main event ended in lightning fashion as Shido Boris Esperanca (10-1) submitted Ibrahima Mané (13-6) in just 34 seconds. Esperanca took Mané’s back seconds into the bout and sealed the win with a rear naked choke, booking his ticket to the Welterweight semifinals.

Ayinda, N’tchala and others secure big wins

Octave Ayinda (6-0) displayed power and composure, stopping British Boloyoang (3-2) by first-round TKO after escaping a guillotine attempt. Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) impressed with a tactical unanimous decision win over Sanon Sadeck (7-3), outstriking and outgrappling his way to victory.

Other notable winners included Emilios Dassi (KO win over Osvaldo Benedito), Wasi Adeshina (submission win over Jean Jacques Lubaya), Dwight Joseph (KO win over Wilker Nsamo), Abderahman Errachidy (TKO win over Elbert Steyn), Abdoul Razac Sankara (KO via head kick over Shadrack Yemba), and Kunle Lawal (unanimous decision over Desmond Tamungang).

Finals lineup:

• Featherweight: Patrick Ocheme vs Abdoul Razac Sankara, Wasi Adeshina vs Dwight Joseph

• Welterweight: Shido Boris Esperanca vs Octave Ayinda, Yabna N’tchala vs Emilios Dassi