By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Pretoria is set to host one of the biggest mixed martial arts events on the African calendar when the Professional Fighters League returns with the launch of the 2026 PFL Africa season.
On 10 April 2026, the promotion will bring its second African campaign to life at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Menlyn Maine, building on the momentum of its groundbreaking inaugural season.
Leading the fight card is South Africa’s own Nkosi “King” Ndebele, the reigning PFL Africa bantamweight champion, who will defend his growing reputation against Italy’s Michele “The Arrow” Clemente in the main event.
Ndebele enters the contest with an impressive 11–3 professional record and the backing of a passionate home crowd. The 2025 champion cemented his place at the top of the division when he knocked out Boule Godogo in last year’s PFL Africa final to claim the belt and the $100 000 (about R1.7 million) winner’s prize.
Standing 5’10 with a 75.5 inch reach, the South African has developed a reputation for his aggressive style and finishing ability, boasting both knockout and submission victories across multiple promotions.
Facing him will be Clemente, a technically sharp Italian fighter who brings a 7–1 record into the bantamweight showcase bout. The 35 year old has won four consecutive fights since 2022 and will be making his PFL Africa debut. His well rounded striking and grappling credentials promise a stern test for the champion.
The co main event features another South African star as Justin Clarke (4–1) takes on Senegal’s Abdoulaye Kane (5–1) in what promises to be an explosive heavyweight showdown.
Clarke will be looking to rebound after falling short in last season’s heavyweight final, while Kane arrives with momentum and knockout power, chasing a third straight stoppage victory. With both fighters known for their finishing ability, fans can expect fireworks once the cage door closes.
PFL Africa confirmed earlier this year that it would return to South Africa following a successful debut season that featured events in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kigali in Rwanda, and the finals in Cotonou, Benin.
The Professional Fighters League has rapidly established itself as one of the world’s leading MMA organisations alongside the UFC, and became the first global promotion to introduce a structured league format in Africa. That expansion is part of a broader international strategy that also includes PFL Europe, PFL MENA and PFL Pacific.
Africa has become one of the fastest growing regions in global MMA, producing elite fighters who have excelled on the world stage including Dricus du Plessis, Francis Ngannou, Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, Demarte Pena, Don Madge, Bokang Masunyane and Themba Gorimbo.
According to PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze, the league represents more than just a sporting platform. “PFL Africa reflects the ambition, energy and identity of the continent. It is more than MMA. It is a cultural platform built around Africa’s elite athletes that brings world class entertainment to fans across the continent,” he said.
Season 2 will feature fighters from more than 10 African nations, highlighting the depth of talent emerging across the continent. Among the additional bouts confirmed is a lightweight showcase between Burkina Faso striker Abdoul Razac Sankara (7–5) and Angola’s unbeaten Áureo Cruz (3–0).
Sankara, a Muay Thai specialist known for his long reach and knockout power, moves up to lightweight after previously competing at featherweight. Standing 6’2, the Burkinabé fighter is expected to benefit from the shift to the 155 pound division.
Cruz, meanwhile, arrives unbeaten with victories in promotions such as EFC, Versus Fight Night and Benin FC, bringing a grappling heavy style built on strong wrestling and positional control.
The Pretoria card will also open with a women’s strawweight showcase bout between Uganda’s Annet “Rose” Kiiza (3–1) and Kenya’s Felista “The Young Queen” Mugo (5–2–1). With Africa’s MMA scene surging and local stars leading the charge, the return of PFL Africa promises another electrifying chapter for the sport on the continent.