Peace “X” Nguphane aims to mark his spot inside the PFL Africa Smart Cage on April 10 just like he did against compatriot Armando de Crescenzo at EFC 130. Photo: EFCWorldwide.
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Sometimes, the easiest way to recognise the hallmarks of a champion mindset — someone who backs themselves — is in the manner in which they respond to a high-pressure situation.
Those sentiments resonate with the characteristics of Peace “X” Nguphane. The South African MMA star was recently unveiled as one of PFL Africa’s latest signings ahead of the franchise’s second season, starting on 10 April 2026, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Not only will Nguphane (8–3) be making his debut in one of the most competitive weight divisions, but he is also set to throw down against the PFL Africa 2025 Tournament winner: Guinea-Bissau’s Yabna N’Tchalá (14–2–1).
"I can't wait for the 10th of April. PFL Africa, Pretoria, SunBet Arena. X-Man is going to mark his spot," says Ikageng’s Nguphane. "Being in the PFL, making my debut in Pretoria, close to home, is amazing.”
PFL Africa continue to recruit high-value professionals capable of capturing the crowd’s attention. Nguphane was drafted into the stable with his own “X” on his back — a wanted man considering the respectable career he has carved out thus far. A previously signed Extreme Fighting Championship athlete, the South African has faced tough opposition, including Mark Hulme and Jaco du Plessis.
That road included a title shot against the experienced Hulme (13–4), whom Nguphane lost to via a rear-naked choke — a tough but invaluable learning curve for a fighter who was only six fights into his professional career at the time. He took it on the chin and bounced back, racking up a four-fight winning streak before PFL Africa came calling.
"I've been preparing for this. I've been working out for this. I've been praying for this," says Nguphane.
N’Tchalá silenced critics at last year’s final in Benin when he overcame Shido Boris Esperança. N’Tchalá pushed the dangerous Angolan (11–2) to the limit, ultimately winning by TKO to claim the inaugural PFL Africa Welterweight Tournament Championship.
Nguphane has offered nothing but praise for N’Tchalá leading up to their duel, as the Bissau-Guinean is riding an undefeated streak since 2024. However, Nguphane is backing himself to showcase an upset.
"Yabna N’Tchalá deserves to be where he is. I know it's a step up. He's sharp, he's got great wrestling and great jiu-jitsu. But like I said, an upset is coming."
The PFL Africa welterweight division is tantalising, with matchups including Eliezer Kubanza (8–1) vs Nigeria’s Kunle Lawal (3–1) and David Samuel (5–0) vs Egypt’s Abdelrahman Mohammad (5–0).
Headlining the Pretoria card is South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (11–3), who faces Italy’s Michele Clemente (7–1). Heavyweight action features South Africa’s Justin Clarke (4–1) against Senegal’s Abdoullah Kane (5–1) in the co-main event.
In 2025, PFL Africa crowned its first champions: Nkosi Ndebele, Yabna N’Tchalá, Abraham Bably, and Wasi Adeshina, each earning $100,000 (R1,885,000.00) in prize money.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster for the event on 10 April.