South Africa’s heavyweight standout Justin Clarke weighed in at 245.2 lbs — well under the heavyweight limit — for his highly anticipated clash against Senegal’s towering Abdoulaye Kane, who registered 262.7 lbs. | PFLAfrica
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The stage is officially set for another landmark night in African mixed martial arts as the Professional Fighters League prepares to launch the first event of PFL Africa Season Two at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, following Thursday morning’s official weigh-ins.
Fighters from across the continent successfully stepped onto the scales ahead of what promises to be an action-packed evening featuring tournament bouts, showcase matchups, and some of Africa’s and the world’s brightest MMA stars.
Headlining the card is 2025 PFL Africa Bantamweight Champion and South Africa’s own Nkosi Ndebele, who tipped the scales at 135.6 lbs. His opponent, Italy’s Michele Clemente, came in at 135 lbs, setting up an explosive bantamweight showcase bout.
South Africa’s heavyweight standout Justin Clarke weighed in at 245.2 lbs — well under the heavyweight limit — for his highly anticipated clash against Senegal’s towering Abdoulaye Kane, who registered 262.7 lbs.
The welterweight division saw all tournament competitors make weight successfully, with Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança weighing 170.3 lbs for his showdown against Emilios Dassi, who came in at 168.8 lbs.
Other welterweight tournament matchups include Yabna N'Tchala (170.5 lbs) against Peace Nguphane (167.7 lbs), Abderrahman Mohamed (170.9 lbs) versus David Samuel (169.8 lbs), and Rivaldo Pereira (169.1 lbs), who steps in on short notice in place of Eliezer Kubanza to face Kunle Lawal, who weighed 170.3 lbs.
In women’s strawweight showcase action, Juliet Ukah made championship weight at 115.8 lbs, but her opponent Jane Osigwe missed the strawweight limit after weighing in at 117.3 lbs. Meanwhile, Felista Mutheu Mugo also came in over the limit at 116.7 lbs for her clash with Annet Kiiza, who weighed 112 lbs.
Elsewhere on the prelims, Asiashu Tshitamba (135.7 lbs) and Shannon van Tonder (134.3 lbs) both successfully made weight for their bantamweight contest.
With the weigh-ins complete and tensions rising, anticipation continues to build for Friday night’s event as PFL Africa looks to kick off Season Two in spectacular fashion and further cement its growing presence on the African MMA scene.
Fight fans can expect high stakes, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments when the cage door closes at the SunBet Arena.
Tickets remain available through Ticketmaster for fans wanting to attend the show.
Stay tuned to MzansiMMA and PFL Africa Instagram accounts for more details.
Bantamweight Showcase BoutNkosi Ndebele (135.6 lbs) vs Michele Clemente (135 lbs)
Heavyweight Showcase BoutJustin Clarke (245.2 lbs) vs Abdoulaye Kane (262.7 lbs)
Welterweight Tournament BoutYabna N'Tchala (170.5 lbs) vs Peace Nguphane (167.7 lbs)
Welterweight Tournament BoutShido Boris Esperanca (170.3 lbs) vs Emilios Dassi (168.8 lbs)
Welterweight Tournament BoutRivaldo Pereira (169.1 lbs) vs Kunle Lawal (170.3 lbs)
Welterweight Tournament BoutAbderrahman Mohamed (170.9 lbs) vs David Samuel (169.8 lbs)
Women’s Strawweight Showcase BoutJuliet Ukah (115.8 lbs) vs Jane Osigwe (117.3 lbs)*
Featherweight Showcase BoutJean Jacques Lubaya (145.6 lbs) vs Shadrack Yemba (144.6 lbs)
Lightweight Showcase BoutAbdoul Razac Sankara (154.4 lbs) vs Aureo Cruz (155.3 lbs)
Bantamweight Showcase BoutAsiashu Tshitamba (135.7 lbs) vs Shanon van Tonder (134.3 lbs)
Women’s Strawweight Showcase BoutFelista Mutheu Mugo (116.7 lbs)* vs Annet Kiiza (112 lbs)
*Missed weight