The global landscape of mixed martial arts is set to expand once again as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) prepares for its historic inaugural event on the African continent. Taking place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, this event marks a significant step in the league`s mission to bring high-level MMA competition to new territories. With fight week now officially underway, the full lineup and crucial broadcast details for the Cape Town card have been finalized.
Fans looking to tune in to this landmark event have clear viewing pathways. The main card action, featuring several marquee matchups, is scheduled to air exclusively in the United States on **ESPN+**. Coverage begins at **2 p.m. ET**.
For those wanting to catch all the early action, the preliminary portion of the event will be available earlier in the day. Prelims will be broadcast on the official **PFL App**, commencing at **10 a.m. ET**.
The Main Card: Champions, Contenders, and Curious Weight Jumps
The main card features a compelling mix of established champions and rising stars, highlighting the PFL`s global roster:
Headlining the Cape Town card, under the banner of the `Road to Dubai` portion of the event, is a middleweight collision between reigning champion **Johnny Eblen** and tough challenger **Costello van Steenis**. Eblen has quickly established himself as a dominant force in the division, and this bout represents another test on his path.
In the co-main event, the highly touted and undefeated 2024 flyweight tournament champion, **Dakota Ditcheva**, continues her rapid ascent. She is slated to face **Sumiko Inaba** in a matchup that promises striking fireworks.
Adding significant star power to the lineup are former Bellator champions. **AJ McKee**, returning to the featherweight division where he once reigned, will face **Akhmed Magomedov**. Meanwhile, **Corey Anderson** makes a noteworthy move, stepping up to the heavyweight division – perhaps seeking larger challenges, or simply larger opponents. He is scheduled to meet the 2024 heavyweight tournament champion, **Denis Goltsov**. A lightweight bout between **Artur Zaynukov** and **Takeshi Izumi** rounds out the main card.
Preliminary Card Showcase
The preliminary card, accessible via the PFL App, features nine additional bouts showcasing talent from various regions, including several fighters from the African continent, underscoring the local significance of the event.
Here is the full fight card for PFL Africa:
Main Card (ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET)
Johnny Eblen vs. Costello van Steenis
Dakota Ditcheva vs. Sumiko Inaba
AJ McKee vs. Akhmed Magomedov
Artur Zaynukov vs. Takeshi Izumi
Corey Anderson vs. Denis Goltsov
Preliminary Card (PFL App at 10 a.m. ET)
Nkosi Ndebele vs. Mahmoud Atef
Maxwell Djantou Nana vs. Mickael Groguhe
Shannon Van Tonder vs. Boule Godogo
Jashell Ticha Awa vs. Justin Clarke
Antero dos Santos vs. Karim Henniene
Abdoulaye Kane vs. Joffie Houlton
Simbarashe Hokonya vs. Frans Mlambo
Abraham Bably vs. Badr Medkouri
Juliet Ukah vs. Ceileigh Niedermayr
With the lineup locked and broadcast details confirmed, fight fans can now look forward to a weekend of high-stakes mixed martial arts as the PFL makes its long-awaited debut in Cape Town.
Murray Blackwood