By Boris Esono Nwenfor
The stage is set for the historic first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals, scheduled for this Saturday, October 18, at the BK Arena in Kigali, and Cameroonian fighters are geared up to make their mark on the continent’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) stage.
Speaking to the media at Zaria Court Hotel, Kigali, on Wednesday, October 15, Maxwell Nana Djantou, who will face Justin Clarke, expressed excitement about competing in Rwanda. “It is very amazing to have this competition in Rwanda, a very nice country in which I feel like I was in my own country,” he said.
Reflecting on his recent fight in Cape Town, South Africa, Nana emphasised the importance of experience. “I didn’t finish the fight by knockout like usual, but it is a victory. Victory comes first, but a knockout is a plus. I assure you, during my training camp for Saturday’s fight, I have worked on certain things and you will see during the fight,” he stated confidently.
Regarded as a powerhouse of MMA in Africa, Cameroon is producing elite fighters alongside global star Francis Ngannou. “I have a lot of respect for Justin Clarke,” Nana added, “but Saturday is just two days away. I will not only demonstrate Africa’s MMA talent, but also show that Rwanda can host a major international competition like PFL Africa.”
Nana also highlighted his commitment to nurturing young talent, sharing that he has been organising training camps for aspiring fighters. “The result of hard work is not always immediate; that is why my slogan is ‘sweat saves blood.’ You have to work hard, sweat, and be patient. I started training when I was nine, and now I am beginning to see the sunlight.”
Octave Ayinda, who will face Shido Boris Esperanca, echoed a similar sentiment of confidence and determination. “Rwanda is a beautiful country with good weather. I feel like I am at home in Yaounde,” he said. Ayinda stressed the importance of perseverance for young African athletes. “It is not easy to become a professional fighter. There are challenges, but with determination, you can reach the top. Do not let obstacles kill your dreams.”
Ayinda also paid tribute to Francis Ngannou, saying, “He brightened the light on the sport of MMA in Africa by bringing PFL to the continent. It allows us to showcase our talent to the world.” On his fight strategy, he added, “I am confident. I have studied my opponent to know his strategy, and I am ready. It is going to be a crazy fight, but I will give it my all.”
Emilios Dassi, facing Yabna N’Tchala, shared a slightly different approach, focusing on self-improvement. “I didn’t study my opponent. I focused on myself, watching past fights to identify mistakes and make improvements. In the cage, there is no pressure. Pressure is a weakness. Fighting in front of my mentor, Francis Ngannou, is motivation. It gives me confidence and joy.”
The PFL Africa semifinals card features 11 fights with five Cameroonians among the 22 fighters. Alongside Nana, Ayinda, and Dassi, Alain Majorique and Emmanuel Mukam, also products of the Francis Ngannou Foundation, are part of the lineup.
Winners of the semifinals will advance to the finals in Benin, where the first-ever PFL Africa Champions in Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight divisions will be crowned in December.
PFL Africa Chairman Francis Ngannou is confirmed to be present in Kigali, underscoring the event as the biggest MMA competition ever held in East Africa, while highlighting Rwanda’s rising status as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment.
About the Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL is the only MMA organisation with the “win and advance” tournament format. PFL has three fight products: PFL World Tournament, PFL Champions Series, and PFL International Leagues. PFL is broadcast and streamed live to 190 countries with 20 leading media partners.
PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors, including SURJ, Ares, 885 Capital, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth and global sport business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
