The PFL’s latest expansion league is now official, with the promotion announcing the launch of PFL Africa.
PFL Africa will be the third regional league launched by the Professional Fighters League, with the newly-created competition set to join PFL Europe and PFL MENA as a feeder league and talent pipeline to the main PFL global league.
The league was officially launched this weekend, with PFL Africa following the same model as PFL Europe and PFL MENA, by running a three-stage season, with Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship events featuring the top emerging talent from Africa. In addition, the events themselves will be held on the African continent. The inaugural PFL Africa season will kick off in the second quarter of 2025 across linear, digital and mobile platforms.
In confirmation of news that was initially announced last year, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will serve as the Chairman of PFL Africa, and the heavyweight superstar said that he’s proud to bring a regional PFL league to the continent in 2025.
“I am excited and honored to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA,” said Ngannou.
“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.”
PFL CEO Peter Murray said that the addition of PFL Africa will continue the PFL’s aim of being the “Champions League of MMA”.
“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 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.”
