Dakota Ditcheva will make her return to the PFL cage as the promotion launches its new venture in Africa this summer.
The 2024 flyweight champion is renowned as one of the most fearsome female fighters in the world, and along with Paul Hughes is arguably PFL’s brightest homegrown star. However, she has had concerns about going without a fight this year after two straight seasons in the European and Global formats.
Now, Bloody Elbow has confirmed with the promotion that her return to the cage will take place on July 26 at the inaugural PFL Africa event in Cape Town, South Africa. She will face Bellator veteran Sumiko Inaba, while Johnny Eblen will defend his middleweight belt against Costello Van Steenis.
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PFL Africa launches with massive July 26 card in Cape Town featuring Dakota Ditcheva
After years of work, the PFL have finally today confirmed to Bloody Elbow that their inaugural PFL Africa event will take place on July 26 in Cape Town. The event will see the launch of multiple eight-man tournaments, as well as a ‘Champions Series’ showcase to headline.
That headliner will include Dakota Ditcheva’s first fight since winning last year’s $1million PFL Global tournament. There will also be middleweight title action, as well as further bouts to be announced at a later date.
The PFL Africa tournament will kick off with Jashell Ticha Awa of Cameroon facing Justin Clarke of South Africa in the heavyweight division. They will be joined by Abdoullah Kane from Senegal who takes on Mohammad Ben Yahia from Morocco.
In the bantamweight division, South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele will face Mahmoud Atef of Egypt. The final confirmed fight thus far is Simbarashe Hokonya of Zimbabwe taking on Abderrahman Errachidy of Morocco.
Francis Ngannou will head up PFL Africa project
Francis Ngannou is leading the PFL Africa project alongside CEO Peter Murray and Elias Schulze from Helios Sports & Entertainment Group who helped bring NBA Africa to life. Ngannou’s official title will be as Chairman.
“Kicking off the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town alongside the launch of PFL Africa reflects our commitment to grow the sport of MMA throughout the continent as well as provide pathways for African fighters to compete on a global stage and become champions,” Murray said in a statement.
“With PFL Europe, PFL MENA and now PFL Africa launching, PFL’s international growth strategy and footprint is unmatched in the sport. This is all made possible by building a great team.
“I’m proud to partner with Francis Ngannou and Helios Sports & Entertainment Group and excited to welcome Elias Schulze as GM of PFL Africa.”