South Africans on top at PFL Season 2 opening week in Pretoria

by Devesh Jaganath

image South Africans on top at PFL Season 2 opening week in Pretoria
The second season of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) got underway in style this past weekend, as South Africa once again showed its ability to host MMA events on an international scale. The headline performances of the night came from Mzansi’s own Nkosi Ndebele and Justin Clarke.

Ndebele and Clarke shine for Mzansi at PFL Season 2 opener

The Professional Fighters League brought its very first event to Pretoia Sunbet Arena last weekend, delivering a thrilling night of fierce MMA action in front of a sold-out crowd, with standout performances across the card. 

The main event on a stacked card was a high-paced battle between Nkosi Ndebele and Italy’s Michele Clemente. Both fighters exchanged blows early, with Clemente pressing forward aggressively, while Ndebele chose his moments and responded with precise counters.

After a back-and-forth contest, it was the South African who edged out a unanimous decision and confirmed our MMA predictions. Following his victory, Ndebele revealed that he was initially supposed to compete against PFL Europe 2025 champion Barus Adiguzel in March, but the fight fell through. 

In the heavyweight division, Abdoulaye Kane of Senegal and South Africa’s Justin Clarke delivered one of the night’s most dramatic bouts. Kane landed powerful combinations early that left Clarke bloodied, but the local favourite fired back with a decisive right hand that dropped his opponent in spectacular fashion.

David Samuel of Nigeria made an emphatic start to his welterweight tournament run, overwhelming Abdelrahman Mohammad with sharp striking before securing a first-round submission. He will face Rivaldo Pereira, who beat Kunle Lawal, in the semis. 

The PFL also confirmed its next move into West Africa, announcing an event in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 13 at the Eko Arena. The card will be headlined by 2025 PFL Africa Featherweight Champion Wasi Adeshina, who returns to face Spain’s Ignacio Campos. Patrick Ocheme will take on Octave Ayinda in the co-main event. 

 

PFL Africa Season 2: Full Results (Pretoria)

  • Nkosi Ndebele (12-3) defeated Michele Clemente (7-2) via unanimous decision
  • Justin Clarke (5-1) defeated Abdoulaye Kane (5-2) via TKO (punches)
  • Peace Nguphane (9-3) defeated Yabna N’Tchala (14-3-1) via unanimous decision
  • Shido Boris Esperança (12-2) defeated Emilios Dassi (5-3) via TKO (elbows and punches) 
  • Rivaldo Pereira (4-2) defeated Kunle Lawal (3-2) via TKO (punch to body and elbows)
  • Juliet Ukah (9-0) defeated Jane Osigwe (5-4) via split decision
  • David Samuel (6-0) defeated Abdelrahman Mohammad (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) 
  • Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-5) vs. Aureo Cruz (3-0) ends in a No Contest (accidental eye poke) 
  • Shadrack Dju Yemba (6-1) defeated Jean-Jacques Lubaya (9-3) via split decision 
  • Asiashu Tshitamba (7-5) defeated Shannon van Tonder (7-4) via unanimous decision 
  • Felista-Mutheu Mugo (6-2-1) defeated Annet Kiiza (3-2) via unanimous decision