A new heavyweight contender has emerged in the PFL: Maxwell Djantou Nana. He aims to follow in the footsteps of his countryman, Francis Ngannou, and even surpass him.
This powerful heavyweight fighter made his PFL debut last summer in Washington D.C., securing a second-round knockout against Kent Mafileo, with Ngannou himself watching from ringside. Now, Djantou is set to headline the inaugural PFL Africa season, facing Mickael Groguhe in a first-round bout on July 19 in South Africa.
Djantou has long admired Ngannou, witnessing his devastating knockouts against top fighters like Alistair Overeem, Stipe Miocic, and most recently, Renan Ferreira. He is now determined to carve out his own legacy as Cameroon`s next major combat sports figure.
Aspiring to Surpass the `Predator`
Djantou transitioned to MMA in 2022 after a successful career in sambo, where he achieved championship status. His aspirations are grand, starting with conquering the PFL Africa tournament and ultimately aiming to eclipse the fame of Francis Ngannou.
In an exclusive interview, Djantou shared, “People genuinely admire Francis because he turned a dream into reality and demonstrated to the world that anything is achievable. Everyone in Cameroon loves Francis; he`s a great person.”
He continued, “It would be significant for both MMA and Cameroon if we were to eventually compete. I remain focused and open to all possibilities. I`m incredibly grateful to the PFL for recognizing and showcasing the immense talent present in Africa.”
“We have numerous talented fighters across Africa, from young prospects to seasoned veterans. This is a fantastic chance for us to demonstrate to the global community the depth of fighting talent here. Now, MMA will see a new prominent figure; beyond Francis, there`s Maxwell, and every one of my fights promises an exciting conclusion.”
PFL Africa Kicks Off in South Africa
Following the successful launch of their World Tournament and regional circuits in Europe and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), PFL Africa marks the next phase in the promotion`s global expansion strategy.
The African season begins this summer, and next year will see PFL Pacific launch in Australia and New Zealand. An Asian league is also planned for 2026.
The long-term vision is to establish a `Champions League of MMA,` where winners from these regional tournaments converge to compete in the annual World Tournament.
Ultimately, World Tournament victors will advance to the Champions Series, vying for titles against champions and prominent fighters acquired through the Bellator merger, alongside existing stars like Francis Ngannou and Dakota Ditcheva.
