The eyes of the mixed martial arts world turn to Cotonou this Saturday, December 20, as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) hosts the inaugural PFL Africa Tournament finals. The event marks a milestone for African sports, crowning the first-ever PFL Africa Champions across four weight classes: Heavyweight, Welterweight, Bantamweight, and Featherweight with each division winner claiming a massive $100,000 prize (about FCFA 60 million) in addition to prestigious title.
Cameroon’s combat sports pride will take center stage at the fight night at the iconic Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, Benin, which will feature 11 bouts, including four title fights and seven showcases, spotlighting rising stars from across the continent.
Undefeated Featherweight sensation Alain Majorique leads the charge for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Lions, aiming to claim the first-ever PFL Africa title and a massive $100,000 prize (about FCFA 60 million).
Joining him from Francis Ngannou’s homeland are Heavyweight Jashell Ticha Awa, facing Senegal’s Abdoulaye Kane; Welterweight Desmond Tamungang, up against another Senegalese, Mouhamed Ba; and debutant Styve Ngono, who clashes with Ivorian Mélèdje Yedoh in Light Heavyweight Showcase Bout.
Majorique to ‘assassinate’ opponent with vicious shots
At a pre-fight exchange with the media in Cotonou on Wednesday, Majorique and Ngono promised that the Cameroonian quartet is in the West African country for nothing other victories.
Known as The African Assassin, Majorique will have to break his opponent, Nigeria’s Wasi Adeshina’s five-fights winning streak to claim the title. The Cameroonian admitted he knows his opponent, known as The Nigerian Jaguar, is a good fighter, but he has what it takes to win the fight.
“There is certainly going to be war on Saturday because this belt has to go to Cameroon,” Majorique told reporters. While acknowledging Wasi’s striking capabilities, the undefeated contender promised to “counter him with some vicious shots.”
Despite the pressure of being the tournament favorite and maintaining a perfect record, Majorique appeared composed. “I have lived under pressure all my life, so I am used to managing pressure,” he stated.
Ngono to hurt opponent in early minutes
Styve Ngono, the latest Cameroonian powerhouse to join PFL Africa said he was set to make his Light Heavyweight division debut memorable—and does not expect to be in the PFL Africa SmartCage for long.
“We are here to win,” he stated, predicting his debut fight in the PFL will not last long as he will hurt his opponent in the early minutes. “This fight will not reach the third round,” Ngono said of his debut bout, adding that “I have a lot of respect for my opponent, he is a good fighter, but someone [his opponent] must fall. I am going hurt him and head home with the victory”.
The PFL Africa newcomer views the opportunity as more than just a personal career move, citing a desire to prove that African talent is world-class.
The event is expected to draw a massive local crowd as Benin cements its status as a premier destination for international combat sports.
