PFL Africa Launches with Historic Weigh-In in Cape Town, South Africa

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (July 18, 2025) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to make history as it launches its inaugural season of PFL Africa with a highly anticipated fight card in Cape Town tomorrow. The event, titled 'PFL Champions Series Road to Dubai: Cape Town', features a compelling lineup of matches, including the PFL Middleweight World Championship main event between defending champion Johnny Eblen and challenger Costello Van Steenis.

In a press release, PFL officials announced that Eblen, who enters the ring with an undefeated record of 16-0, weighed in at 185.0 pounds, while Van Steenis, with a record of 16-3, tipped the scales at 184.6 pounds. This championship bout underscores a significant moment for the league, as it aims to expand its global footprint in the mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape.

The co-main event showcases the talents of Dakota Ditcheva, an undefeated fighter from the United Kingdom, against Hawaii’s Sumiko Inaba in a Women’s Flyweight bout. Ditcheva weighed in at 125.4 pounds, while Inaba came in at 124.6 pounds. Both fighters are poised to make their mark in a rapidly evolving sport that is gaining traction across Africa.

Additionally, the card includes former Bellator Featherweight Champion AJ McKee, who weighed in at 146.0 pounds for his bout against Russia’s Akhmed Magomedov, who came in at 145.4 pounds. The tournament will also feature the first rounds of the PFL Africa Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions, showcasing emerging talent from the continent.

According to PFL President Ray Sefo, the launch of PFL Africa is a monumental step for the organization. "This event will not only highlight the incredible talent in Africa but also contribute to the growth of MMA on the continent," Sefo remarked during a press conference. "We aim to provide a platform for local fighters to compete at the highest level."

The event will take place at the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town, with broadcast arrangements set for multiple regions, including SuperSport in Africa and ESPN+ in the United States. The international broadcasting strategy reflects PFL's commitment to expanding its audience reach, particularly in emerging markets.

The weigh-in results reveal a mix of seasoned fighters and rising stars, setting the stage for an exhilarating evening of competition. Notably, Shannon van Tonder, who missed weight at 136.2 pounds, will forfeit 20% of his purse to his opponent Boule Godogo, who weighed in at 135.6 pounds. This incident underscores the importance of weight management in the sport, a common challenge faced by many fighters.

As the event draws near, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this new chapter for PFL will unfold, especially in a region ripe with potential for growth in MMA. The outcome of these bouts could pave the way for future developments in the sport, not only in Africa but globally.

The PFL's expansion into Africa comes at a time when the sport is increasingly popular, with various organizations vying for dominance. The success of this event could influence the direction of MMA in the region, drawing attention from sponsors and media alike.

As the fighters prepare for their bouts, the implications of the PFL Africa launch extend beyond the octagon, potentially impacting local economies and sports culture across the continent. This event is more than just a competition; it represents a significant cultural moment for African sports and entertainment.