Rwanda card delivered on every level, lighting up Kigali’s BK Arena with an unforgettable night of action in the 2025 PFL Africa semifinals.

The atmosphere was set early by DJ Niny and Afro Nation, and the athletes matched the energy inside the PFL SmartCage as the 11-fight card featured five stoppages and six hard-fought decisions, all in pursuit of a place in the 2025 PFL Africa Finals in Benin on December 20.

South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (10-3) and Zimbabwe’s Simbarashe Hokonya (6-1) closed the show with a razor-close bout worthy of a PFL Africa Main Event. From the opening bell, both athletes showed elite preparation and fight IQ, nullifying each other’s strengths in a tactical, back-and-forth Bantamweight Semifinal.

Ndebele looked to showcase his trademark striking from range, while Hokonya – renowned for his grinding wrestling and counter-heavy style – pressed forward, attempting to impose his will inside the PFL Africa SmartCage.

Hokonya’s pressure was met with strong resistance, as Ndebele stuffed clinch attempts with underhooks and solid defensive wrestling. While Hokonya edged ahead in total strikes landed, Ndebele’s two takedowns – combined with high-volume attack – proved decisive.

Ndebele also secured crucial control time in Round 2, taking Hokonya’s back and locking in a tight body lock to limit movement. In the final round, the South African turned up the pace—landing crisp right hands, clean hooks, impactful low kicks, and capping it off with a well-timed takedown just before the final bell. That strong finish stood him in good stead, earning a split decision win and a place in the 2025 PFL Africa Bantamweight Final in Benin, where he will face Algeria’s unbeaten Karim Henniène (6-0).

In a heated Co-Main Event born from bad blood, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (11-1) let his performance do the talking, stopping Cameroon’s Octave Ayinda (7-1) in the first round of their PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinal clash.

Ayinda started strong, rocking Esperança early with a powerful left hand. But the Angolan standout weathered the storm, relying on his world-class grappling to turn the tide. Showcasing the poise of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Esperança transitioned smoothly from one dominant position to another, displaying exceptional control and pressure.

Once he took Ayinda’s back, Esperança never looked back. What began as a possible submission attempt quickly turned into a barrage of punishing strikes. A crushing left hand followed by relentless rights left Ayinda unable to respond, forcing the referee to step in and wave off the bout, punching Esperança’s ticket to the PFL Africa Welterweight Final.

In the second and final Heavyweight Semifinal of the night, South Africa’s Justin Clarke (4-0) delivered a stunning performance, going toe-to-toe with one of the most dangerous strikers in the division – Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-2) – before emerging victorious inside the SmartCage.

In what will undoubtedly be a contender for Fight of the Night, both athletes thrilled the crowd at BK Arena with a high-paced, back-and-forth battle that showcased elite-level striking and championship-calibre grit. The action remained largely on the feet, with just one takedown recorded – a first-round effort from Nana – as the two heavyweights traded heavy shots, technical combinations, and punishing kicks throughout the contest.

Clarke displayed impressive cardio and composure under fire. As the bout entered the third round, the South African’s relentless pressure and conditioning began to wear on Nana, ultimately forcing the Cameroonian to verbally concede – securing Clarke a victory and a place in the PFL Africa Heavyweight Final.

In the first Heavyweight Semifinal of the night, 2023 PFL Challenger Series contract winner and Ivory Coast’s own Abraham Bably (7-2) delivered a statement victory, stopping Nigeria’s Joffie Houlton (8-5) devastatingly in the opening round.

Bably showcased his trademark composure and aggression, stalking Houlton before unleashing a powerful overhand left that sent his opponent reeling. Demonstrating his well-rounded skill set, the Ivorian standout transitioned seamlessly to a level change, securing a double-leg takedown and establishing control. Bably methodically went to work, using expert hip positioning to maintain pressure, nullifying Houlton’s escape attempts. With precision and power, Bably landed a series of crushing elbows and hammerfists that left the referee no choice but to stop the contest.

In the opening Featherweight Semifinal bout, Cameroon’s Alain Majorique (6-0) showcased composure and grit, overcoming two groin strikes from Guinea’s Mohamed Camara (5-4-1) to earn a dominant victory and advance to the 2025 PFL Africa Finals. Across three rounds, Majorique controlled the pace and distance, while Camara struggled to find his rhythm, often slipping as he tried to unleash his trademark power punches. Mixing sharp striking with well-timed takedowns, the Cameroonian dictated the action inside the SmartCage. In the final round, Majorique displayed his full skill set, landing crisp combinations, securing another takedown, and unleashing heavy ground-and-pound that opened a cut on Camara, sealing a unanimous decision win.

The 2025 PFL Africa Finals will be held in Benin on 20 December 20, where the Professional Fighters League will crown its first-ever PFL Africa Bantamweight, Featherweight, Welterweight, and Heavyweight Champions.