In a thrilling night of action in Casablanca, South Africa's aspirations to crown a 2026 PFL Africa welterweight champion took a significant hit as Angola's Shido Boris Esperança (13-2) delivered a decisive TKO victory over Peace Nguphane (9-4) in their tournament semi-final. This event, which marked PFL Africa's inaugural appearance in North Africa, continues to showcase the potential of African MMA fighters, offering them a chance to compete for a lucrative tournament prize of US$100,000 (approximately R1.7 million) while paving the way for further opportunities in the global arena.
The event unfolded at the Mohammed V Sports Complex, providing fans with a glimpse of what to expect during the finals set to take place in December in Rwanda. Esperança's victory not only secured his spot in the finals but also made him the first fighter to reach the PFL Africa finals twice, having previously competed in the 2025 welterweight final where he faced off against the eventual champion, Yabna N’Tchala.
In a dramatic turn of events, N’Tchala was later eliminated by Nguphane, who made his PFL Africa debut earlier this season in Pretoria. Esperança will now go head-to-head with the formidable Nigerian fighter David Samuel (7-0), who advanced to the finals after defeating Rivaldo Pereira (4-3) by unanimous decision on the same night.
The heavyweight main event showcased Senegal's Abdoulaye Kane (6-2) taking on Morocco's Badr “Dastan” Medkouri (9-4) in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Kane dominated the match from the onset, employing powerful kicks and ground control, ultimately securing a TKO victory in the first round through a flurry of punches and elbows.
Meanwhile, in the co-main event for the featherweight division, Morocco's Taha Bendaoud (5-3) clashed with Algeria's Yanis Ghemmouri (14-4). The bout saw both fighters exchanging kicks and attempting takedowns, but Ghemmouri's effective counter-striking and superior control led him to a unanimous decision win.
The lightweight semi-finals featured an all-Nigerian showdown where Patrick Ocheme (10-1) triumphed over Cornel Thompson (12-4) with a TKO victory via a body kick. In another semi-final, Demba Seck (11-3, 1 NC) faced unbeaten Hussain Al Kurdi (3-0, 1 NC), but the match ended in a no-contest due to an accidental groin strike early in the opening round, allowing Seck to advance to the final against Ocheme.
In the bantamweight semi-final, Liberia's Dwight Joseph (17-3) secured his place in the finals by narrowly defeating Boule Godogo (5-3) via split decision, setting up a showdown against Raphael Uchegbu (11-2), who advanced after his scheduled opponent missed weight and was unable to compete.
PFL Africa's next event is scheduled for December in Kigali, Rwanda, where the continent's elite fighters will vie for tournament glory and the chance to elevate their careers to unprecedented heights.
PFL Africa: Casablanca Highlights
Heavyweight (265 lbs) Main Event: Abdoulaye Kane (6-2) defeated Badr “Dastan” Medkouri (9-4) via TKO (punches) at 4:06 of Round 1.
Featherweight (145 lbs) Co-Main Event: Yanis Ghemmouri (14-4) defeated Taha Bendaoud (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Welterweight (170 lbs) Semi-Final: Shido Boris Esperança (13-2) defeated Peace Nguphane (9-4) via TKO (punches) at 1:03 of Round 1.
Lightweight (155 lbs) Semi-Final: Patrick Ocheme (10-1) defeated Cornel Thompson (12-4) via knockout (body kick) at 2:46 of Round 1.
Welterweight (170 lbs) Semi-Final: David Samuel (7-0) defeated Rivaldo Pereira (4-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Bantamweight (135 lbs) Semi-Final: Dwight Joseph (17-3) defeated Boule Godogo (5-3) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).
Lightweight (155 lbs) Semi-Final: Hussain Al Kurdi (3-0, 1 NC) vs Demba Seck (11-3, 1 NC) ended in a no-contest (groin strike) at 0:37 of Round 1.
As reported by capetimes.co.za.
