PFL Africa launches in Lagos with Francis Ngannou
The PFL has officially announced the launch of PFL Africa, the new regional league it is expected to start in April 2025.
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With a fanfare announcement and a high-profile ambassador for the occasion, the Professional Fighters League pulled out all the stops to confirm its arrival on the African continent. At a press conference in Nigeria, the league announced the launch of PFL Africa, its newest division, which joins PFL Europe and PFL MENA in the PFL's network of regional leagues.
"The Professional Fighters League is thrilled to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA," said Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL. And for the occasion, the organisation has picked a standout chairman in Francis Ngannou. An icon across the African continent, the Cameroonian was quick to speak of his pride and excitement at leading the project.
Ngannou as chairman of the organisation
"I am delighted and honoured to serve as chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundations of African MMA," he said. "As we have seen, Africa has a wealth of talent just waiting to be shown on the world stage. I am very proud to give back to my country and to provide excellent content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fan base. "
According to the organisers, the first PFL Africa event is expected to take place in April 2025. The venue is not yet known, but the format will feature a regular season, playoffs and a championship showcasing the best African fighters. That should mean plenty of events across the African continent.
🗓️ Coming 2025#PFLAfrica pic.twitter.com/oAWhQpCMwL
— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 10, 2024