The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the complete card for the inaugural PFL Africa Semifinals, set for Saturday, October 18, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. The historic event features 11 bouts across four weight classes, with athletes from across the continent chasing a spot in the championship finals this December in Benin.

Headlining the night, Nigeria’s dynamic Featherweight contender Patrick Ocheme (7-1) faces Burkina Faso’s knockout artist Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4). Ocheme’s unorthodox style will be tested against Sankara’s striking power, which earned him “Knockout of the Night” honors in Johannesburg. The co-main event showcases South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), nicknamed the “King of Many Nations,” against undefeated Zimbabwean rising star Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0).

African contenders look to punch finals tickets

In the Welterweight division, Guinea-Bissau’s Yabna “The Panther” N’tchala (12-2-1) collides with Cameroonian knockout threat Emilios Dassi (5-1), a fighter molded by the Francis Ngannou Foundation. Also in the division, Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) takes on Octave Ayinda (7-0) in a battle of unbeaten prospects.

The Bantamweight bracket includes a must-see clash of undefeated fighters, as Boule Godogo (4-0) of the DRC meets Algeria’s Karim “The Kryptonian” Henniene (5-0). In the Heavyweight semis, Ivory Coast’s Abraham Bably (6-2) takes on Nigeria’s Joffie Houlton (8-4), while Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) faces South Africa’s Justin Clarke (3-0).

Rwanda hosts landmark MMA showcase

Adding to the local excitement, Rwanda’s own James Opio (2-1) steps into the cage for a showcase Featherweight bout against Uganda’s Isaac Omeda (2-0). The card also features alternate bouts, ensuring backup contenders are ready for December’s championship showdowns.

With its 11-fight lineup, PFL Africa Semifinals marks the biggest MMA event ever held in East Africa, reinforcing Kigali’s growing reputation as a destination for elite international sports. Backed by Tour Rwanda, the event highlights the continent’s athletes on a global stage and sets the stage for the first-ever PFL Africa champions to be crowned later this year.