Cameroonian mixed martial arts (MMA) heavyweight fighter Maxwell Djantou Nana has described his latest victory in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as a major step towards re-establishing himself among the promotion’s elite heavyweights.
Nana made a successful return to PFL Global, securing a unanimous decision victory over American fighter Karl Williams at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA, on Saturday, May 2.
The victory came after Cameroonian heavyweight sensation’s participation in the inaugural season of PFL Africa last year, where his quest to become the promotion’s pioneer heavyweight champion ended in the semi-finals.
Reacting to his victory, Nana told NewsWatch that defeating Williams, who is currently ranked among the top heavyweights in PFL, was significant for his career progression.
“This new victory means a great deal in my career because it restarts the whole process towards the top, especially since I was facing a big name, Karl Williams, who is number nine in the global rankings,” Nana said. “So this allows me to strengthen my position in the overall PFL.”
A four-time Combat Sambo World Champion, Nana revealed that his strategy was built around neutralising Williams’ wrestling strengths while maintaining mobility and precision striking throughout the fight.
“I decided to stay on my feet with him, which worked very well, because he’s a good wrestler and he tried to take me down more than five times without success,” he explained. “I think that must have frustrated him”.
Besides, the up-and-coming Cameroonian heavyweight puncher said he also ensured that he landed multiple blows on his opponent without aiming for a knockout, a strategy that worked in his favour.
Following the victory, Nana sent a warning to the heavyweight division, insisting he remains focused on climbing the ranks in PFL Global.
“With this victory, I think the heavyweights will quickly understand what’s happening,” he stated.
No date has been confirmed yet for Nana’s next fight, but the fighter whose mantra is “sweat saves blood” said he was not going to slumber, stressing that discipline and hard work remain central to his ambitions.
“We remain focused on work because our only job is work,” he said, expressing special appreciation for supporters who continued to stand by him after his previous defeat.
“I want to thank everyone who believes in me in difficult times as well as in victories. Those who didn’t turn their backs on me after my last defeat,” Nana said.
