Fighters in action at the game during the thrilling PFL Africa Championship at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18. ALL PhotoS by Olivier Mugwiza
For the first time, on Saturday, October 18, Kigali hosted the action-packed semifinals of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa at the state-of-the-art BK Arena.
President Paul Kagame graced the event, alongside PFL Africa Chairman Francis Ngannou and Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire.
The night marked a major milestone in the league’s African expansion, with the finals set to take place in Cotonou, Benin, on December 20.
The electrifying 11-fight card thrilled spectators with five stoppages and six hard-fought decisions, showcasing Africa’s finest mixed martial arts talent.
Rwanda’s own James Bizimungu Opio, who fought in front of a passionate home crowd, expressed gratitude to his fans despite his match ending in a unanimous draw.
The New Times photojournalist Olivier Mugwiza captured the highlights of the historic night through his lens.
Ugandan fighter Omeda (Left) and Rwanda's Opio during the game
Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa drew over 4,000 mixed martial arts (MMA) spectators at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18.
Rwanda fighter James Bizimungu Opio, in action against Ugandan Omeda at BK Arena.
A referee invigilates the game between Rwanda's James Bizimungu Opio, and Ugandan Omeda during the thrilling PFL Africa Championship at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18. ALL PhotoS by Olivier Mugwiza
President Paul Kagame was in attendance, along with former UFC heavyweight champion and PFL Africa Chairman Francis Ngannou and Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire.
Fans support Rwandan player Ohio during the game
Rwanda’s own James Bizimungu Opio, fought in front of a passionate home crowd.
A referee invigilates the game between Rwanda's James Bizimungu Opio, and Ugandan Omeda during the thrilling PFL Africa Championship at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18. ALL PhotoS by Olivier Mugwiza
Rwanda’s own James Bizimungu Opio,
Game supporters at BK Arena
Fighters in action at the game during the thrilling PFL Africa Championship at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18. ALL PhotoS by Olivier Mugwiza
President Paul Kagame was in attendance, along with former UFC heavyweight champion and PFL Africa Chairman Francis Ngannou and Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire.
The PFL Africa semifinals bouts at BK Arena attracted large numbers, confirming that Kigali’s appetite for MMA is coming of age.