Dakota Ditcheva is set to make her return to the PFL cage, aligning with the promotion`s new venture launching in Africa this summer.
The reigning 2024 flyweight champion is widely regarded as one of the most formidable female fighters globally and a prominent star for the PFL. Concerns had been raised about her potential lack of fights this year following two consecutive seasons in the European and Global formats.
Her return to competition is confirmed for July 26th at the inaugural PFL Africa event set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa. Ditcheva is scheduled to face Bellator veteran Sumiko Inaba. The fight card will also include Johnny Eblen defending his middleweight championship against Costello Van Steenis.
Inaugural PFL Africa Event Set for July 26 in Cape Town
Following years of development, the PFL has confirmed that the inaugural PFL Africa event will indeed take place on July 26th in Cape Town. The event will mark the commencement of multiple eight-man tournaments and feature a `Champions Series` showcase as the main attraction.
This headline portion will feature Dakota Ditcheva`s first fight since her victory in last year`s $1 million PFL Global tournament. Alongside the previously mentioned middleweight title bout, additional fights are slated to be announced later.
The PFL Africa tournament will commence with heavyweight bouts, featuring Jashell Ticha Awa of Cameroon against Justin Clarke of South Africa, and Abdoullah Kane from Senegal taking on Mohammad Ben Yahia from Morocco.
In the bantamweight category, Nkosi Ndebele of South Africa will compete against Mahmoud Atef of Egypt. The last confirmed fight announced so far features Simbarashe Hokonya of Zimbabwe facing Abderrahman Errachidy of Morocco.
Francis Ngannou to Lead PFL Africa Initiative
Francis Ngannou is heading the PFL Africa project alongside PFL CEO Peter Murray and Elias Schulze of Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, who were instrumental in launching NBA Africa. Ngannou`s official capacity will be Chairman.
PFL CEO Peter Murray released a statement saying,
“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.”
He added,
“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.”
