Historic Mixed Martial Arts League to begin in Nigeria, says host

Posted : 11 July 2024

The Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Pete Murray, has unveiled the African version of the league, making it join the ranks of PFL Europe and PFL MENA.

Murray said in Lagos that PFL Africa would introduce an engaging sport-season format with a regular season and playoffs.

He mentioned that the unveiling was part of the PFL’s network of regional leagues, which is becoming the Champions League of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

PFL is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide.

It has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator.

Murray also stated that he would introduce a championship featuring top African fighters, with all events hosted in Africa for the first time.

According to him, in a groundbreaking partnership, Helios Sports and Entertainment Group (HSEG) has invested and will hold a stake in the promotion. Superstar Francis Ngannou, a professional boxer, will serve as chairman of the league.

“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.

“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.

“With our great investment and broadcast partners, we cannot wait to kick off the PFL Africa league action in 2025,” Murray said.

Ngannou, a professional fighter, expressed delight in serving as chairman of the league.

“I am excited and honored to serve as chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA.

“As we have seen, there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase,” Ngannou said.

Also speaking, Mr. Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, said he was looking forward to the partnership with PFL, a world-class organization.

Mr. Lawani also said he was excited to work with Ngannou, who is a manifestation of the success of African talent on a global stage.

“African talent has had disproportionate success on the global MMA stage, and MMA currently has a scarcity of events despite significant demand, creating a huge opportunity for growth as young Africans consume more digital content on their devices.

“This marks HSEG’s fourth investment following our successful partnership with the NBA in Africa.

“We see several areas of direct synergies between PFL Africa and HSEG’s existing unique portfolio, and we are excited by the opportunities such collaboration can bring to the continent.

“The Professional Fighters League is excited to be breaking ground and looks forward to an enjoyable and exciting experience in MMA here in Africa,” he said.

Historic Mixed Martial Arts League to begin in Nigeria, says host

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