Dakota Ditcheva is set to return to the PFL cage as the promotion begins its new African initiative this summer. The 2024 flyweight champion is widely regarded as one of the top female fighters globally and, alongside Paul Hughes, is considered one of PFL`s most promising homegrown talents. However, she had expressed concern about not competing this year after participating in two consecutive seasons across the European and Global circuits.
Confirmation has now been received from the promotion that her next fight will take place on July 26 at the inaugural PFL Africa event in Cape Town, South Africa. She is scheduled to face Bellator veteran Sumiko Inaba. The event will also feature Johnny Eblen defending his middleweight championship against Costello Van Steenis.
PFL Africa Debuts July 26 in Cape Town with Significant Card Including Dakota Ditcheva
After years of planning, PFL has now confirmed that its first PFL Africa event is scheduled for July 26 in Cape Town. The event will feature the start of multiple eight-man tournaments and a `Champions Series` highlight bout.
This headline bout will be Dakota Ditcheva`s first appearance since winning the $1 million PFL Global tournament last year. Middleweight title action is also on the card, with additional fights to be announced later.
The PFL Africa tournament action will commence with a heavyweight bout between Jashell Ticha Awa of Cameroon and Justin Clarke of South Africa. Abdoullah Kane from Senegal will compete against Mohammad Ben Yahia from Morocco in another heavyweight contest. In the bantamweight division, Nkosi Ndebele of South Africa will fight Mahmoud Atef of Egypt. The other confirmed bantamweight matchup pits Simbarashe Hokonya of Zimbabwe against Abderrahman Errachidy of Morocco.
Francis Ngannou to Spearhead PFL Africa Project
Francis Ngannou is leading the PFL Africa initiative alongside CEO Peter Murray and Elias Schulze from Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, known for their work on NBA Africa. Ngannou`s official role will be Chairman.
“Launching the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town alongside PFL Africa demonstrates our commitment to expanding MMA throughout the continent and providing African fighters with opportunities to compete globally and become champions,” stated Murray.
“With the introduction of PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and now PFL Africa, PFL`s international expansion strategy and reach are unmatched in the sport. This progress is a result of building a strong team. I am proud to collaborate with Francis Ngannou and Helios Sports & Entertainment Group and am pleased to welcome Elias Schulze as GM of PFL Africa.”
