The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to host its upcoming event, PFL Africa 1, in Cape Town, South Africa, on July 19, 2025. This event marks a significant development for the league, which continues to expand its global presence.
For viewers in the United States, PFL Africa 1 will be available for streaming on ESPN+. Subscriptions can be obtained for $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually. Fans can tune into the preliminaries starting at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the main card commencing at 2 p.m. ET, with the main event projected to start around 5:30 p.m. ET at the GrandWest Arena.
PFL Africa 1 will be headlined by a title match, with Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen defending his title against Costello van Steenis. Eblen remains undefeated at 16-0 and is returning to the octagon after a hiatus since October. He has gained recognition through his performances in PFL crossover events against notable fighters such as Impa Kasanganay and Fabian Edwards.
Van Steenis enters the fight with a record of 16-3 and is coming off two promising victories within PFL events, showcasing his skills with five knockouts and seven submissions in his career.
Adding to the excitement, the co-main event features Dakota Ditcheva, a two-time PFL champion with an impressive record of 14-0, known for her striking prowess as a Muay Thai champion. Ditcheva will face Sumiko Inaba (8-1), who is currently on a two-fight win streak.
The event also includes matchups with former Bellator champions A.J. McKee and Corey Anderson, promising a night filled with high-stakes fights.
PFL Africa 1 marks a bold step for the league and illustrates its commitment to fostering a global community of combat sports. As it presents a mix of established stars and rising talents, fans can anticipate a thrilling display of the sport on one of its most significant stages yet. The evolution of the PFL could serve to enhance its prestige in the mixed martial arts arena, offering fans around the world an opportunity to witness top-tier competition.
Overall, this event not only expands the PFL’s reach but also brings exciting matchups to South Africa, showcasing both local and international talents and further promoting the sport of mixed martial arts on a global scale.