The Professional Fighters League on Wednesday in Lagos unveiled PFL Africa, which joins PFL Europe and PFL MENA as part of PFL’s network of regional leagues that is becoming the Champions League of MMA.
PFL is a global powerhouse in MMA and is regarded as the fastest-growing sports league worldwide.
PFL Africa will introduce an engaging sport-season format with a regular season, playoffs and championship featuring top African fighters with all events, for the first time, hosted in Africa.
Helios Sports & Entertainment Group will hold a stake in the promotion with MMA superstar Francis Ngannou serving 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,” PFL CEO, Peter Murray, said.
“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.”
On his part, Ngannou stated, “I am excited and honoured 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 the global stage. I am so proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.”
Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, added, “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.
“We are looking forward to partnering with the PFL, a world-class organisation, and with Francis Ngannou, who is a manifestation of the success of African talents on a global stage.
“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.”
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Publish date : 2024-07-13 01:04:11
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