Professional Fighters League (PFL) is expanding its international portfolio with the announcement of PFL Africa. The promotion today revealed the new league is set to kick off in mid-2025, with heavyweight superstar Francis Ngannou serving as Chairman.
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.
“Africa is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world, including our league Chairman Francis Ngannou, and some of the greatest fans in the sport. PFL Africa aims to serve the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market. Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.”
Ngannou, who has yet to compete for the promotion after inking a long-term deal back in mid-2023, talked about his upcoming role as chairman.
“I am excited and honored to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA,” said the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion. “As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.”
“The Predator” — who hails from Cameroon — registered two professional boxing bouts since joining PFL against two of the most dangerous heavyweights in the game in Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. After losing to “The Gypsy King” via split decision, Ngannou went on to suffer a devastating knockout loss to “AJ” earlier this year (highlights).
Ngannou’s PFL debut was further delayed after his son Kobe passed away at just 15 months old earlier this year.
PFL Africa joins PFL Europe and PFL MENA as part of the promotion’s plan to dominate the international fight scene, with Helios Sports & Entertainment Group holding a major stake in the promotion.
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