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RWANDA – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially announced four blockbuster bouts for the first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals, set for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. This historic event marks the largest MMA competition ever staged in East Africa, reinforcing Rwanda’s rising status as a global hub for world-class sports and entertainment.
Rwanda has already hosted international spectacles such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL), major concerts, and high-profile sporting events. Now, with the arrival of PFL Africa Semifinals, the nation adds elite mixed martial arts to its resume of milestone moments, making history with Rwanda’s first major MMA event.
“For the first time, Africa’s elite fighters are on the road to Benin, where four champions will be crowned and claim the title of the very best in Africa and among the best in the world,” the league said in a statement.
PFL CEO John Martin added:
“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.”
The Semifinals follow two groundbreaking events in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with champions in the Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight divisions set to punch their tickets to the inaugural PFL Africa Finals in Benin.
Main Event – Featherweight Semifinal
Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (7-1), fresh off a dominant win in Johannesburg, faces Burkina Faso’s explosive striker Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4), who delivered a viral knockout with a head kick over Shadrick Dju Yemba. The clash pits Ocheme’s composure against Sankara’s knockout power, with a Finals berth on the line.
Co-Main Event – Bantamweight Semifinal
South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), known as the “King of Many Nations”, looks to continue his march through the tournament after a commanding Cape Town performance. He will meet Zimbabwe’s unbeaten prospect Simbarashe “Simba” Hokonya (6-0), who trains alongside Nicholas Hwende—the last man to defeat Ndebele.
Welterweight Semifinal
Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (10-1), who earned a viral 34-second submission win in Johannesburg, collides with Cameroon’s undefeated Octave “Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-0), who powered through his last fight with a first-round TKO. Both men became fan favorites with their post-fight celebrations, but in Kigali, only one can advance.
Heavyweight Semifinal
Cameroon’s powerhouse Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) takes on South Africa’s undefeated Justin Clarke (3-0), who eliminated Nana’s countryman in the opening round. With pride and the chance to lead the division on the line, the bout promises fireworks to open the main card.
Broadcast Details
Venue: BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Broadcast: SuperSport (Africa – English), Canal+ (Africa – French), PFL App (U.S.)
Confirmed PFL Africa: Rwanda Fight Card
Featherweight Semifinal Main Event: Patrick Ocheme (7-1) vs. Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4)
Bantamweight Semifinal Co-Main Event: Nkosi Ndebele (9-3) vs. Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0)
Welterweight Semifinal Bout: Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) vs. Octave Ayinda (7-0)
Heavyweight Semifinal Bout: Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) vs. Justin Clarke (3-0)
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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