The Professional Fighters League has officially launched its latest regional expansion, PFL Africa, ahead of the first season in 2025.
Having ran its unique season structure on the global stage since 2018, the PFL has committed to establishing its presence with a number of regional leagues around the world.
And after kicking off that expansion with PFL Europe in 2023 and adding PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa) to the calendar in 2024, the promotion recently launched its latest development.
Having long planned an African expansion with last year's star signing Francis Ngannou at the helm, PFL Africa has been officially confirmed for its inaugural season in 2025.
The organization announced the news in a press release this week, also posting a teaser trailer featuring "The Predator" on social media.
Ngannou 'Proud To Give Back' To His Continent Through PFL Africa
Ngannou's role as chairman of PFL Africa was announced when he put pen to paper on a deal with the PFL last year, bringing to an end months of speculation regarding his future following a departure from the UFC.
While the Cameroonian has since had his focus on a boxing venture, sharing the ring with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua last October and this past March, respectively, his attention will seemingly be back on the PFL soon.
And although his expected return to MMA and debut in the SmartCage remains unconfirmed, Ngannou has reiterated his commitment to helping up-and-coming talent from his home continent make a splash.
I am excited and honored to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA,” Francis Ngannou said via a PFL press release. “As we have seen, there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.
While launching PFL Africa, the promotion confirmed that the regional league will follow the same regular season, playoff, and championship structure as the rest of its "network."
The PFL also revealed that Helios Sports & Entertainment Group has invested and will hold a stake in PFL Africa.
The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “Africa is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world, including our league chairman Francis Ngannou, and some of the greatest fans in the sport. PFL Africa aims to serve the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market. Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.”
In his own post on social media, PFL founder Donn Davis made note of his and the promotion's focus on catering to the wide-range of MMA enthusiasts outside of the United States.
The organization has previously come under criticism for not securing a broadcast deal for PFL Europe and PFL MENA in the US, meaning American fans are unable to watch. It remains to be seen whether that will be rectified by the time PFL Africa rolls around next year.