PFL wows as sold-out Joburg crowd and celebs beg for more

It was a night of nail-biting action as a packed-to-capacity Johannesburg crowd witnessed eight more fighters punching their tickets to the PFL Africa semifinals on Saturday.

The series’ African debut continued tonight at the Big Top Arena in Carnival City, with Africa’s best featherweights and welterweights stepping into the spotlight and thrilling the Johannesburg crowd with explosive finishes.

PFL Africa general manager, Elias Schulze, says, “This was electric, it was aspirational. From the first fight to the very end, you saw heart and soul on display that even globally is rare, and that’s what I’m hearing from my friends and family around the world tonight, what we saw tonight was the heart of the fighter come out”.

OCHEME TOO MUCH FOR CAMARA

In the main event, Patrick Ocheme (7-1) capped off the night with a strong performance, defeating Mohamed Camara (5-3-1) by unanimous decision to clinch his spot in the PFL Africa featherweight semifinals.

Ocheme overcame a slow start in the first round and turned the tide in the second after dropping Camara with a big shot. He remained in control in the final round to secure the victory and a place in the Featherweight final four.

Ocheme admitted his determination to win was boosted by the cage-side presence of South Africa’s Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi.

“It played such a big part in a positive way for me. Seeing guys like that, doing so well and being so well respected, making the time to come and enjoy the show like this is truly inspiring to me”.

In the night’s co-main event, Shido Boris Esperanca (10-1) took just 34 seconds to submit Ibrahima Mané (13-6) and secure his place in the PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinals. At the opening bell, Esperanca blitzed Mané, immediately took his back, locked in the choke, and forced the tap in seconds.

The Angolan striker says his involvement in PFL Africa is about more than competing, as he hopes he can inspire the next generation of fighters. “I see myself as an ambassador for PFL Africa and for MMA across the continent. I want to support African fighters and help younger athletes grow. PFL Africa is huge and I can see myself being part of it for many years.”

Also in the Welterweight Division, Octave Ayinda (6-0) made quick work of British Boloyoang (3-2), winning by TKO and advancing to the PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinals. Ayinda escaped an early guillotine choke attempt from Boloyoang and managed to wind up on top. From there, he punished Boloyoang with heavy shots, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:55 mark of the first round.

Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) turned in an impressive all-around performance, outstriking and outgrappling Sanon Sadeck (7-3) over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory and a place in the PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinals. N’tchala picked his shots and set up his takedowns effectively to cruise past Sadeck and claim the important win.

Following tonight’s action, the PFL Africa Featherweight and Welterweight Finals are now set. In the Featherweight Division, Patrick Ocheme will face Abdoul Razac Sankara, while Wasi Adeshina meets Dwight Joseph. Meanwhile, in the Welterweight Division, Shido Boris Esperanca will take on Octave Ayinda, and Yabna N’tchala will go up against Emilios Dassi.

RESULTS

Patrick Ocheme (7-1) def. Mohamed Camara (5-3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Shido Boris Esperanca (10-1) def. Ibrahima Mané (13-6) by submission (rear naked choke) at 0:34 of round one

Octave Ayinda (6-0) def. British Boloyoang (3-2) by TKO () at 1:55 of round one

Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) def. Sanon Sadeck (7-3) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Emilios Dassi (5-1) def. Osvaldo Benedito (3-2) by KO (punches) at 2:12 of round one

Wasi Adeshina (8-3) def. Jean Jacques Lubaya (9-2) via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:14 of round two

Dwight Joseph (15-2) def. Wilker Nsamo (7-1) via KO (knee) at 4:57 of round two

Abderahman Errachidy (5-1) def. Elbert Steyn (3-1) via TKO (knee) at 0:14 of round two

Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-3) def. Shadrack Yemba (4-1) via KO (head kick) at 2:01 of round one

Kunle Lawal (3-1) def. Desmond Tamungang (5-1) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)