The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is bringing Africa’s biggest MMA night to Cotonou, Benin on December 20 as the PFL Africa Finals showcase the continent’s top fighters in a historic battle for championship glory. The event will award four championship belts across the Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight divisions, each coming with a $100,000 grand prize and a pathway into the PFL’s global ecosystem, marking one of the largest athlete payouts in sub-Saharan African sports.

Set inside the Sofitel Dome, the Finals will be staged as an exclusive VIP broadcast event while fans across Cotonou gather at large watch parties to celebrate the milestone. The broadcast is expected to reach more than 100 countries, giving the world a front-row seat to Benin’s coastline, culture, and world-class hospitality.

Benin showcases sport, culture, and national pride

This groundbreaking event is backed by a visionary partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, the Ministry of Sports, and the EYA Foundation founded by Lionel Talon. Leaders say the collaboration blends athletic excellence with cultural innovation and youth empowerment, positioning Benin as a rising destination for global sports entertainment.

Throughout fight week, PFL Africa and the EYA Foundation will host outreach and cultural programs designed to leave a social and cultural legacy in the country. The event caps a landmark inaugural season that touched Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kigali before arriving in Benin for its grand conclusion.

John Martin, CEO of the Professional Fighters League, said the Finals are a defining moment for African MMA and the league’s global expansion. “This event is more than a championship, it’s a celebration of Africa’s athletic excellence, cultural strength, and global influence,” he said.

A vision of opportunity and African excellence

Lionel Talon of the EYA Foundation said the Finals highlight role models who reflect the aspirations of African youth and turn adversity into success. Benin Sports Minister Benoît Dato called the event a source of national pride and development, while Sindé Chekete of Benin Tourism noted the country’s emergence as a premier international destination where heritage meets innovation.