Nigerian fighters and international athletes are gearing up for an exciting show as the Professional Fighters League gets set for its first event in Lagos on Saturday. Several fighters made strong statements at a press conference held at Eko Hotels on Thursday, according to The PUNCH.
The event, PFL Africa: Nigeria, First Round, will be at the Eko Convention Center. Organizers say it is the biggest MMA event in West African history.
The lineup includes opening fights in the PFL Africa bantamweight and lightweight tournaments, along with showcase bouts featuring top local talent.
The main fight of the night is a featherweight match between Nigeria’s Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina (10-3) and Spain’s Ignacio “Nacho” Campos (7-2). The co-main event features Nigeria’s Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme (8-1) against Cameroon’s Octave “The Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-1).
At the press conference, many fighters made it clear they did not come to Lagos to hold back.
Undefeated middleweight Yahaya “Smile Strong” Yahuza (8-0), who will fight Cameroon’s Jordan Fongno (4-1), was especially confident.
“This fight is going to be an easy fight for me. I am very strong and getting into the cage, I will give everything I have to make sure I finish my opponent. I am very excited to be making my PFL debut,” he said.
Nigerian police officer and undefeated strawweight Juliet Ukah (9-0) said her job helps her stay sharp ahead of her fight against Brazil’s Elisandra Ferreira (9-2).
“God, my skill and my confidence make me different. Being in the police goes in line with what I do because it is also a difficult task. It makes me remain skilful and keep my senses sharp,” Ukah said. She added that she was happy with PFL Africa’s role in creating chances for Nigerian and African fighters.
Lightweight contender Raphael Uchegbu (10-2), who faces Edson Machavane (7-1), talked about his finishing skills and his wish to entertain the home crowd.
“My experience and finishing ability makes me a standout for this event. I am always looking for the submission, the TKO, the knockout and it’s going to be no different when I perform. I am here to put on a show for the fans on Saturday,” he said.
Cornel “The Marine Boxer” Thompson (11-3), who will fight undefeated Congolese fighter Tsilomba “The Old Monkey” Mikixi (5-0), made one of the boldest statements.
“I believe and see myself as a god. When you go to Owerri, they call me the god of combat and I perform something like witchcraft in the cage. Winning is a guarantee,” Thompson said. He added that competing on PFL Africa brings him closer to his dream.
“Now I know I am closer to my dream of being a world champion. I have that opportunity with this organization and that is the one dream I have.”
Bantamweight contender Alain Majorique (6-1), who will face Dwight Joseph (15-3), kept it short but strong.
“This fight won’t go past the first round, either by submission, KO or TKO, it won’t go past the first round,” he said.
The international fighters also shared their thoughts. Cameroonian Anay Majere, known as the “African Assassin,” promised a strong performance after his first career loss.
“The redemption for me is coming from a loss, and I didn’t like it. This time I’m going there for the submission, the TKO or the knockout. I’m coming for the finish,” he said.
Ayinda, who will meet Ocheme in the co-main event, admitted he let his emotions get the best of him in previous fights but said he has moved on.
“I got too emotional during my last fight. Maturity was the problem. Now I’m more prepared, I fixed those mistakes and I’m coming with a new strategy and a new energy,” Ayinda said.
Main event fighter Campos, who knows he will fight in front of a mostly hostile crowd, seemed ready for the challenge.
“I didn’t come here to fight just anyone. I came here to fight the champion. It’s an honour, but once the cage is closed, it’s going to be good,” the Spaniard said.
South Africa’s Thimna “Kingslayer” Mhlauli (5-0), who faces undefeated Algerian Karim “The Kryptonian” Henniene (6-0), shared a thoughtful view on fighting.
“If you’re about to fight another human being and you don’t feel fear, I don’t think you’re human. Fear is normal. It shows that what you’re about to do matters,” he said.
PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze explained the importance of this event, calling Nigeria the heart of African MMA and the right place for their West African launch.
“The future is Africa, but the present is Nigeria,” Schulze said. He noted that about a third of the 26 fighters on the card are Nigerian. “That’s not by accident. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to Nigerian talent.”
Schulze added that PFL Africa aims to work together with local promotions, not compete against them.
“We don’t have competitors in this market. We have partners. Everybody is trying to build something bigger together and create opportunities for African fighters,” he said.
The event will be shown live on SuperSport across Africa in English and Canal+ in French.
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