Nkosi Ndebele secured a main event victory while local fighters, including Justin Clarke, delivered spirited performances in front of an energetic Pretoria crowd.
Pretoria, South Africa (13 April 2026) – Pretoria turned it all the way up as the Professional Fighters League made its return to African soil, delivering a night of high-energy action and memorable moments at the SunBet Arena. With a packed crowd behind them, South African fighters stepped into the spotlight and made sure the occasion lived up to the hype.
Leading the charge was Nkosi Ndebele, who rose to the moment in the bantamweight main event. Taking on Italy’s Michele Clemente, Ndebele held his composure in a fast-paced and physical contest, using sharp counters and smart movement to stay one step ahead. In front of an electric home crowd, he secured a unanimous decision victory.
View this post on Instagram
The co-main event brought just as much drama, with Justin Clarke going head-to-head with Senegal’s Abdoulaye Kane in a heavyweight clash that had fans on their feet. Clarke found himself under early pressure but showed grit and resilience, fighting back in a back-and-forth exchange that highlighted his determination. While the result didn’t go his way, his performance drew loud support from the Pretoria crowd, who appreciated the heart he showed inside the cage.
Beyond the headline bouts, the event showcased the depth of talent across the continent. Fighters from across Africa delivered a series of decisive performances, with several bouts ending inside the distance and setting up exciting matchups for the next round of the competition.
South Africa also had reason to celebrate in the welterweight division, where Peace Nguphane produced a composed performance to earn a decision victory, much to the delight of the home supporters. His win added to the night’s local highlights and ensured the crowd had plenty to cheer about from start to finish.
Fans filled the arena, bringing energy and noise that lifted the fighters and added to the occasion. From the opening bout to the main event, the sense of anticipation never dropped, with each fight adding another layer to a successful debut for the promotion on South African soil.
The event also marked the beginning of what promises to be a growing presence for PFL Africa, with future events already lined up across the continent.
The event continues to be a celebration of African MMA and a reminder of the passion that exists for the sport locally.
by 