Introduction

History was made on Saturday night at the Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, Benin, as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) successfully concluded its inaugural African season. This landmark event, widely covered by outlets like Life Pulse Daily, solidified the league’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and discovering elite mixed martial arts talent on the continent. The night featured four tournament finals, crowning the first-ever PFL Africa champions in the Bantamweight, Featherweight, Welterweight, and Heavyweight divisions. From devastating knockouts to grueling wars of attrition, the PFL Africa Finals showcased the raw power and technical skill of Africa’s rising MMA combatants.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the night’s key moments, providing a detailed analysis of the fights, official results, and what this means for the future of MMA in Africa. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the sport, this article covers everything you need to know about the PFL Africa Cotonou event.

Key Points

Background

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has established itself as the fastest-growing sports league globally, distinct from the traditional format of the UFC or Bellator. The PFL operates on a season-long format where fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and a championship final, with a $1 million prize on the line for each weight class winner.

Expansion into Africa

The launch of PFL Africa represents a strategic move to tap into the continent’s rich history of combat sports. With over 700 million MMA fans worldwide and a younger demographic, the league aims to provide a structured pathway for African athletes who previously had limited opportunities to compete on a global stage without leaving the continent.

The Road to Cotonou

The fighters competing in the finals had already survived the grueling “Regular Season” and “Playoffs” earlier in the year. The event in Cotonou was the culmination of this journey, pitting the top four seeds in each division against one another to determine the ultimate champions. The stakes were incredibly high, with the winners not only securing the title but also establishing themselves as the premier talent in their respective weight classes.

Analysis: The Rise of the PFL Africa Champions

The inaugural finals provided a fascinating cross-section of fighting styles, ranging from explosive striking to high-level grappling. Here is a deep dive into how the titles were won.

Bantamweight Bout: Nkosi Ndebele vs. Boule Godogo

Nkosi “The King of Many Nations” Ndebele (11-3) delivered a performance that will be remembered in PFL history. Entering the cage with high energy, Ndebele immediately established range against Boule “Bad Boy” Godogo (4-2). While Godogo attempted to weather the early storm, Ndebele’s precision was undeniable.

The fight ended in the second round via a body kick knockout. This technique is notoriously difficult to execute in a championship setting, as it requires the fighter to break through the opponent’s guard and land with perfect timing. Ndebele’s ability to land a fight-ending body kick demonstrates a high fight IQ and elite conditioning.

Welterweight Bout: Yabna N’Tchala vs. Shido Boris Esperança

The co-main event featured a dramatic momentum shift. Shido Boris “The Machine” Esperança (10-2) dominated the early rounds with what analysts described as “elite-level grappling.” He successfully grounded Yabna “The Panther” N’Tchala (14-2-1) and controlled the pace.

However, the tide turned in the third round. N’Tchala, displaying immense heart and conditioning, rallied with heavy punches and elbows. The defining moment occurred when N’Tchala reversed the grappling exchanges, securing his own takedown and punishing Esperança from the top position. The physical toll of the fight was evident; Esperança was too exhausted to answer the bell for the fourth round, resulting in a TKO (Retirement) victory for N’Tchala.

Heavyweight Bout: Abraham Bably vs. Justin Clarke

For those seeking explosive action, the Heavyweight final did not disappoint. Abraham “The One and Only” Bably (8-2) of the Ivory Coast needed only 21 seconds to defeat Justin Clarke (4-1) of South Africa. Bably came out swinging “bombs,” utilizing a right hook to stun Clarke before finishing with a flurry of vicious left hands. This fight highlighted the sheer knockout power present in the African heavyweight division.

Featherweight Bout: Wasi Adeshina vs. Alain Majorique

In the Featherweight division, Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina (10-3) overcame a difficult first round against Alain “African Assassin” Majorique (6-1). Majorique started strong, but Adeshina’s durability and striking accuracy turned the tide. The fight concluded in the second round after a cut above Majorique’s eye became severe enough to warrant a Doctor Stoppage. This victory showcased Adeshina’s ability to adapt and capitalize on physical damage sustained by his opponent.

Practical Advice: How to Watch and Follow PFL Africa

If you missed the action in Cotonou or want to keep up with the future of these champions, here is how you can stay engaged with PFL Africa:

• Streaming Services: PFL events are broadcast globally. In the United States, events are typically available on ESPN+ and the ESPN family of networks. In Africa and internationally, check local listings or the PFL’s official streaming partners.
• Social Media: Follow the official PFL MMA accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for fight highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from Cotonou.
• Fantasy MMA: Unlike other leagues, the PFL offers a “Pick’em” style fantasy sports component where fans can win cash prizes by predicting fight outcomes. This is available through the PFL app.
• Upcoming Seasons: With the inaugural season complete, keep an eye out for the announcement of Season 2. The returning champions will likely face new challengers, and the regional qualifying events will begin again.

FAQ

Full PFL Africa Finals Results

Below is the complete list of official results from the event in Cotonou:

Championship Finals

• Bantamweight Final: Nkosi Ndebele def. Boule Godogo by KO (Body Kick) at 0:27 of Round 2
• Welterweight Final: Yabna N’Tchala def. Shido Boris Esperança by TKO (Retirement) at 5:00 of Round 3
• Heavyweight Final: Abraham Bably def. Justin Clarke by KO (Punches) at 0:21 of Round 1
• Featherweight Final: Wasi Adeshina def. Alain Majorique by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 3:07 of Round 2

Lightweight Showcase Bout

• Cornel Thompson def. Jean Do Santos by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Welterweight Showcase Bout

• Eliezer Kubanza def. Francis Mozou by TKO (Punches) at 3:18 of Round 1

Women’s Strawweight Showcase Bout

• Juliet Ukah def. Maryam Gaber by TKO (Punches) at 3:12 of Round 1

Light Heavyweight Showcase Bout

• Styve Ngono def. Mélèdje Yedoh by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)

Heavyweight Showcase Bout

• Abdoulaye Kane def. Jashell Ticha Awa by TKO (Punches) at 1:16 of Round 2

Welterweight Showcase Bout

• Mouhamed Ba def. Desmond Tamungang by TKO (Punches) at 2:00 of Round 1

Women’s Strawweight Showcase Bout

• Shelda Chipito def. Miracle Andrew by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)

Conclusion

The inaugural PFL Africa event in Cotonou was a resounding success, delivering high-stakes combat and crowning four deserving champions. From the lightning-fast striking of Abraham Bably to the gritty endurance of Yabna N’Tchala, the event proved that the future of MMA is bright on the African continent. As the league continues to expand, these newly crowned champions—Nkosi Ndebele, Yabna N’Tchala, Abraham Bably, and Wasi Adeshina—are poised to become the global ambassadors of African mixed martial arts. Fans can look forward to seeing these athletes return for the global PFL playoffs, where they will compete against champions from other regions for the overall season title.

Sources

• Professional Fighters League (PFL) Official Website
• ESPN MMA
• Sherdog
• MMA Junkie

Note: Results and details are based on official PFL reports and verified MMA news outlets.