Yes, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa will hold its semi-finals event in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 18, making it a major upcoming event for the city, at the BK Arena. This highlights Rwanda's continued success in attracting international sports events, following their hosting of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), ATP Challenger Tour and upcoming UCI Road World Championships. The landmark event is a significant draw for sports tourism, aiming to attract fans from across Africa and beyond. It also reinforces Rwanda's position as a growing centre for international sports, with the country actively seeking to host global sporting competitions and promote tourism. For Rwanda, this isn’t just another sports event—it’s a landmark moment in the country's a journey to becoming a preferred destination for global sports. Adding the combat sport is statement of Kigali's versatility in what Rwandan can take on. This is the biggest MMA event in East African history. The PFL Africa semi-finals signal the emergence of Rwanda and the broader East African region as serious players in the rapidly expanding world of MMA. Rwanda's rising 'Sports Capital' status: Rwanda’s transformation into a premier destination for global sports has been nothing short of remarkable. And those in charge, say, in the background, that it's just the beginning! From hosting the Basketball Africa League (BAL) to the upcoming 2025 UCI World Road Championships and even the construction of an F1 Grand Prix circuit in Bugesera, the country is carving out a reputation for excellence in sports organization and infrastructure. Adding MMA to this portfolio with the PFL Africa Semifinals is a historic step. The BK Arena will become the first venue in East Africa to host a major international MMA event. For a country once torn by conflict that culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, this evolution into a sports and cultural hub speaks volumes about Rwanda’s resilience. Francis Ngannou, the Cameroonian UFC icon and current PFL Global Ambassador, has been instrumental in bringing this dream to life. With his foundation already active in Cameroon and set (planned) to expand in Rwanda, Ngannou is sowing the seeds for a thriving MMA environment across the continent. “This is more than just a dream,” he says. “It is my mission now.” While North and West Africa have historically produced most of the continent’s professional fighters, the rest of Africa is rapidly catching up. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania all have growing amateur scenes, scattered local promotions, and passionate athletes waiting for an international spotlight. For these nations, Kigali’s hosting of a major PFL event is a catalyst moment. Yes, there will be no regional fighter on the cards, but if indeed Ngannou's plan materializes, then Uganda’s up-and-coming fighters, Kenya’s local gyms and trainers, Rwanda and Tanzania’s combat sports fan base will have a nearby proving ground that bridges the gap between aspiration and global exposure. In a nutshell, Kigali isn’t just hosting an event—it’s opening a door for not only Rwandan but regional athletes/fighters. This is East Africa’s chance to learn from world-class athletes, network with promoters, and push for investment in local training infrastructure. Over the years, Ngannou has always been open about the uphill battle African fighters face—despite the continent’s athletic potential. He laments the lack of professional structures to nurture elite fighters, and rightly so. “I couldn’t even recommend enough fighters to PFL Chairman Donn Davis,” Ngannou admitted in an interview with Times Sport in 2020, highlighting the scarcity of internationally-ready talent in Africa. But that is changing. Ngannou’s broader initiative—through PFL Africa and the Francis Ngannou Foundation—focuses not just on competition but also on developing local coaching, training centres, and scouting programs. The vision is Pan-African, but the groundwork starts locally: in Cameroon, in South Africa, and now, significantly, in Rwanda. Prayer is that it comes to pass. Countries like Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo are already engaging with Ngannou’s initiative, while East Africa now stands poised to follow suit. Kigali to Benin The October semifinals will crown finalists in four divisions—Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight. Nigerian standout Patrick Ocheme takes on Burkina Faso’s Abdoul Razac Sankara in the main event, while South African star Nkosi Ndebele features in the co-main bout. The winners will move on to the finals in Benin, where four PFL Africa champions will be crowned—solidifying their place among the best fighters not just in Africa, but in the world. But, while, the PFL Africa will host its semifinals in Kigali, there are still questions about whether its chairman and ex-UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou will make an appearance. The absence of Ngannou at the first two events in South Africa in July and August has prompted questions from fans, and criticism from PFL chairman Donn Davis. Ngannou, (speaking to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani) this month, criticized the billing of the first event, saying it was “like an undercard” and should have been more focused on African fighters. That event was headlined by international PFL stars competing under its ‘Champions Series.’ The Cameroon-born fighter has, however, hinted at potentially attending future events “as long as we get things right and feel comfortable.” According to PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze, the company is focused on building an ecosystem that allows Africa’s most talented fighters to make money and grow their skills without having to leave the continent. It's argued that the quality of fights would rise with each event, particularly with its current format in which winners qualify for the latter rounds, including the upcoming semifinals in Kigali. Ultimate winners of different categories in the finals will each get up to $100,000 (approx. Rwf145 million) in prize money. Not small money for a night's work.
