The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is bringing history to Rwanda as the PFL Africa Semifinals take center stage at BK Arena in Kigali on October 18. This landmark event will mark the first major MMA competition in Rwanda, underscoring the nation’s rising reputation as a hub for world-class sports and entertainment.

Rwanda has become a global sports destination in recent years, hosting international events such as the Basketball Africa League, top-tier concerts, and high-profile tournaments. Now, with PFL Africa making its debut in Kigali, mixed martial arts joins that prestigious list, cementing the country’s status on the sporting map.

Africa’s best fighters battle for a spot in the finals

The semifinals represent the next chapter in the inaugural PFL Africa Tournament, which launched with groundbreaking events in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Four divisions—Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight—will see finalists decided, with champions set to be crowned later in Benin.

PFL CEO John Martin highlighted the magnitude of the moment, saying, “This is a historic moment for PFL and for the sport across Africa. We’re proud to bring the first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals to Kigali’s BK Arena and showcase the continent’s best on one of its premier stages.”

Kigali main card promises explosive action

In the Featherweight main event, Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (7-1) faces Burkina Faso’s Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4). Ocheme’s calculated approach meets Sankara’s knockout power, setting up a high-stakes clash for a place in the finals.

The Bantamweight co-main event features South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), known as the “King of Many Nations,” against Zimbabwe’s undefeated Simbarashe “Simba” Hokonya (6-0). With national pride and redemption on the line, this matchup is one of the most anticipated of the night.

In the Welterweight bracket, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) looks to follow up his viral 34-second submission win when he takes on Cameroon’s undefeated Octave “Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-0). Both fighters are known for electrifying finishes and flamboyant celebrations, but only one will move forward.

The action begins with the Heavyweight semifinal, where Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) collides with South Africa’s Justin Clarke (3-0). Clarke enters undefeated, but Nana’s power and experience promise fireworks to kick off the main card.

PFL Africa: Rwanda Main Card – Saturday, October 18

• Featherweight Semifinal: Patrick Ocheme (7-1) vs Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4)

• Bantamweight Semifinal: Nkosi Ndebele (9-3) vs Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0)

• Welterweight Semifinal: Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) vs Octave Ayinda (7-0)

• Heavyweight Semifinal: Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) vs Justin Clarke (3-0)

Broadcast partners include SuperSport (English), Canal+ (French), and the PFL App (U.S.).