David Samuel and Juliet Ukah delivered standout performances in Pretoria, as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) made its debut at the SunBet Arena before a packed South African crowd. The night also brought a major announcement, with PFL Africa confirming its first-ever event in Nigeria, set for June 13 at the Eko Arena in Lagos.
The headline bout in the bantamweight division lived up to expectations, as Nkosi Ndebele and Michele Clemente engaged in a high-level contest from the opening bell. Clemente applied constant pressure, but Ndebele’s precise counter-striking proved decisive. After an intense exchange of punches and elbows, the South African secured a unanimous decision victory in what will be remembered as a classic encounter.
The heavyweight clash between Abdoulaye Kane and Justin Clarke produced one of the most dramatic moments of the night. Kane started aggressively, landing a powerful combination that left Clarke visibly shaken. However, Clarke responded with resilience, turning the tide with a decisive right hand that dropped Kane and sealed a first-round stoppage.
Nigeria’s presence was strongly felt on the card. Rising welterweight David Samuel made an emphatic statement, dominating Abdelrahman Mohammad. After repeatedly dropping his opponent with sharp striking, Samuel transitioned seamlessly to the ground, securing a first-round submission victory with minimal damage taken.
In another welterweight contest, late replacement Rivaldo Pereira capitalized on his opportunity, stopping Kunle Lawal in the opening round. A well-placed body shot folded Lawal before Pereira finished the fight with elbows on the canvas. The result sets up a compelling semi-final clash between Pereira and Samuel, two of the tournament’s most dangerous finishers.
Shido Boris Esperança of Angola delivered a composed and clinical performance against Emilios Dassi. After taking the fight to the ground, Esperança controlled the action and finished with a barrage of strikes, earning a first-round stoppage and progression to the next stage.
Peace Nguphane also advanced after overcoming a strong start from Yabna N’Tchala. Despite early pressure, Nguphane shifted the momentum with effective takedowns and dominant ground control, securing a unanimous decision victory in front of an appreciative home crowd. He will now face Esperança in the semi-finals later this year.
In an all-Nigerian feature bout, Juliet Ukah faced Jane Osigwe in a competitive catchweight contest. Ukah controlled the center of the cage and executed a disciplined striking approach, landing consistent counters as the fight progressed. Her composure and accuracy earned her a split decision victory.
Beyond the action in the cage, the PFL confirmed its expansion into West Africa. The upcoming Lagos event will be headlined by reigning 2025 PFL Africa Featherweight Champion Wasi Adeshina, who is set to face Ignacio Campos. The card will also feature a lightweight co-main event between Patrick Ocheme and Octave Ayinda.
Event Results
Nkosi Ndebele (12-3) def. Michele Clemente (7-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Justin Clarke (5-1) def. Abdoulaye Kane (5-2) via TKO (punches) at 2:12 of Round 1
Peace Nguphane (9-3) def. Yabna N’Tchala (14-3-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Shido Boris Esperança (12-2) def. Emilios Dassi (5-3) via TKO (elbows and punches) at 3:17 of Round 1
Rivaldo Pereira (4-2) def. Kunle Lawal (3-2) via TKO (body punch and elbows) at 2:09 of Round 1
Juliet Ukah (9-0) def. Jane Osigwe (5-4) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
David Samuel (6-0) def. Abdelrahman Mohammad (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:03 of Round 1
Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-5) vs. Áureo Cruz (3-0) ruled No Contest (accidental eye poke) at 0:18 of Round 2
Shadrack Dju Yemba (6-1) def. Jean-Jacques Lubaya (9-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Asiashu Tshitamba (7-5) def. Shannon van Tonder (7-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Felista-Mutheu Mugo (6-2-1) def. Annet Kiiza (3-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
The Professional Fighters League continues to expand its global footprint, delivering top-tier mixed martial arts events across multiple continents while showcasing elite international talent.
