Africa debut: Cameroonian trio on starting block as PFL announces full card.

The Cameroonian trio; Maxwell Djantou Nana, Jashell Ticha Awa and Alain Majorique, are now laser-focused on their respective opponents in the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament. 

The official launch will take place on Saturday July 19 at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa with first Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions, each featuring an eight-man bracket.

Former world sambo champion, Maxwell Djantou Nana takes on Cote d'Ivoire fighter Mickael Groguhe in a thrilling matchup that is set to ignite the Octagon.

Nana shoulders great expectations and is primed to deliver a spectacular performance during the heavyweight fight in what promises to be a formidable challenge. 

Another Cameroonian Ticha Awa is gunning for a winning start at the PFL Africa Tournament. Aptly nicknamed "The Hulk" for his imposing physique and intimidating presence, Ticha heads into the clash with a heap of confidence against Justin Clarke of South Africa. 

Alain Majorique is also on the lineup. Also described as "African Assassin", Majorique is unbeaten and is poised to continue his seven-match winning streak. The 35-year-old takes on Zimbabwe fighter Simbarashe Hokonya in the Bantamweight. 

There are six other high-profile fights on the Africa card. The inaugural PFL Africa event will feature a total of 32 fighters representing 15 African nations who will compete across four divisions in the battle to become the maiden PFL Africa Champions.

In addition to the tournament bouts, the evening will be headlined by five high-stakes PFL Champions Series fights featuring elite global talent. Tickets for this landmark event are on sale now via Ticketpro. 

Among the high-profile fights is that between former Bellator Featherweight World Champion AJ “Mercenary” McKee against Akhmed Magomedov. 

Also confirmed is a Heavyweight Showcase featuring current Light Heavyweight World Champion Corey Anderson (18-6) moving up a division to face 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov (36-8).

About Professional Fighters League

The Professional Fighters League, PFL, is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league world-wide. 

PFL is the only MMA organization with the “win and advance” format. PFL is broadcast and streamed to 190 countries with 20 leading media partners. 

Also, the PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SURJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, 885 Capital, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. 

MMA is the growth sport business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3463 of Tuesday June 03, 2025