Forged in the tough and domineering Russian Sambo system, Nigeria’s David “Django” Samuel boasts IMMAF European Championship credentials. He is renowned for his trademark relentless pressure and wrestling-heavy top game, backed by an elite fight IQ. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied via Samuel’s Instagram account
It might be a cliché, but it never gets old — especially when referencing an MMA fight. This time, “someone’s 0 has got to go” in one of the fastest-rising MMA brands in the world.
PFL Africa returns to Mzansi next month for Season Two of the continental franchise, made possible by its parent organisation, the Professional Fighters League. The promotion has become the first global MMA organisation to launch a structured league of this magnitude in Africa as part of its international expansion strategy, which includes PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and PFL Pacific.
On 10 April, PFL Africa: Season Two kicks off at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural campaign. The latest addition to the fight card is a welterweight showcase bout between two undefeated athletes.
In the blue corner, Nigeria’s David “Django” Samuel has known nothing but victory — from his very first amateur fight through to the professional ranks.
Fight card. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Forged in the tough Russian Sambo system, Samuel boasts IMMAF European Championship credentials. He is renowned for his relentless pressure and wrestling-heavy top game, backed by an elite fight IQ — particularly impressive for a fighter who is only 23-years old. Notably, he has never relied on the judges, finishing all of his bouts inside the distance.
He will put his pedigree to the test against “The African Prowler,” Abdelrahman Mohammad of Egypt. Affiliated with the Fight Empire FC brand, Mohammad is an elite kickboxer who has earned regional gold. Known for his aggressive finishing instincts, he has recorded three stoppage victories alongside just two decision wins.
Both athletes last competed in February this year and will be ready to go on one of the biggest stages on the continent in what is shaping up to be an incredible 11-fight card.
Several compelling matchups have already been confirmed, including last year’s bantamweight champion, South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (11–3), who headlines the card against Italy’s Michele Clemente (7–1). Clemente, an Oktagon MMA standout riding a five-fight winning streak, will be making his PFL Africa debut.
Heavyweight action will also feature prominently, with South Africa’s Justin Clarke (4–1) set to meet Senegal’s Abdoullah Kane (5–1) in the co-main event. In 2025, PFL Africa champions each earned $100 000 (about R1.9m) in prize money.
The opening bout on the Pretoria card will feature Uganda’s Annet “Rose” Kiiza (3–1) taking on Kenya’s Felista “The Young Queen” Mugo (5–2–1) in a women’s strawweight showcase contest. Another intriguing matchup sees Jane “The Slayer” Osigwe (5–3) square off against fellow Nigerian Juliet “Golden Bones” Ukah (8–0).
Further down the card, the Democratic Republic of Congo will see a clash of countrymen as Jean-Jacques “Ziwi” Lubaya (9–2) meets Shadrack “Baba Yaga” Dju Yemba (5–1) in a featherweight showcase. South Africa’s Asiashu Tshitamba (6–5) faces Shannon van Tonder (7–3) in a bantamweight match-up, while Burkina Faso’s Abdoul Razac Sankara (7–5) faces Angola’s Áureo Cruz (3–0) in a lightweight bout.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, while fans can follow the PFL Africa and MzansiMMA social media platforms for further announcements.