As the inaugural season finale culminates in Benin, these fighters are proving the continent is the deepest talent pool in MMA.
The PFL Africa inaugural season will reach its climax on December 20, 2025, at the Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, Benin. While Chairman Francis Ngannou remains the face of the operation, the true success of the league lies in the fighters who have battled their way to the SmartCage.
This isn’t just about championship belts; it’s about the next generation of global contenders. We’ve looked beyond the main event to find the fighters who have delivered specific flashes of brilliance—from 23-second head kicks to relentless ground-and-pound.
Here are the 7 fighters you need to watch.
1. Wasi ‘The Silencer’ Adeshina (Nigeria)
While many fighters rely on raw power, Wasi Adeshina (9-3) brings a cerebral, suffocating style to the cage. Adeshina used superior wrestling and top control to grind his way through the semifinals, completely neutralizing the dangerous striking of Dwight Joseph.
Why Watch Him: Adeshina is the antidote to chaos. In his Featherweight Final against the undefeated Alain Majorique, Adeshina’s ability to slow the pace and drown his opponent in deep waters will be the deciding factor. He fights with a high IQ and is ready for the strategic demands of the international stage.
2. Shido Boris’Machine’ Esperanca (Angola)
Angola’s Shido Boris Esperanca (11-1) is a problem for the welterweight division. He punched his ticket to the finals with a ruthless first-round TKO of Ayinda Octave in the semifinals, overwhelming him with a pace that lived up to his “Machine” moniker.
Why Watch Him: Esperanca is a finisher, plain and simple. He doesn’t like to leave things to the judges. In the Welterweight Final against Yabna N’Tchala, look for him to start fast. He has the grappling pedigree to dictate where the fight goes, but his recent performances show he prefers to end nights early with heavy hands.
3. Nkosi ‘The King’ Ndebele (South Africa)
Nkosi Ndebele (10-3) is perhaps the most polished prospect on the roster. A veteran who has transitioned seamlessly to the big stage, Ndebele proved his grit in the semifinals with a hard-fought split decision win over Simbarashe Hokonya. He can strike, he can wrestle, and he has the “championship mindset.”
Why Watch Him: He is in the Bantamweight Final for a reason. Ndebele is a true mixed martial artist who adapts to whatever his opponent throws at him. Against the dangerous Karim Henniene, Ndebele’s experience and composure under fire will be his greatest weapons. A win here validates him as the premier 135-pounder on the continent.
4. Jean ‘The Black Panther’ Do Santos (Benin)
If there is one fighter who will have the crowd on its feet in Cotonou, it is Jean Do Santos (9-1). Fighting in his backyard, Do Santos enters the PFL Africa showcase with massive momentum. He is fresh off capturing the African Knockout (AKO) title with a viral flying knee finish that lit up social media in August.
Why Watch Him: Do Santos is the definition of “blink and you’ll miss it.” He isn’t just a brawler; he is an explosive athlete who closes distance instantly. In his showcase bout against Cornel Thompson, expect Do Santos to look for a statement finish to prove he belongs in the Global Season conversation for 2026.
5. Styve Ngono (Cameroon)
Cameroon has a legacy of producing heavy hitters, and Styve Ngono (6-1) fits the mold perfectly. A physically imposing specimen, Ngono has quietly built an impressive record away from the major spotlight. His placement on the Finals card against Mélèdje Yedoh is his official coming-out party.
Why Watch Him: The Light Heavyweight division in Africa is wide open, and Ngono looks poised to claim the top spot. He fights with a controlled aggression that suggests he is ready for a step up in competition. Watch for his clinch work and dirty boxing; he excels at damaging opponents in close range before looking for the finish.
6. Justin Clarke (South Africa)
Heavyweight fights often slow down in the later rounds, but Justin Clarke (4-0) only gets stronger. In the semifinals, he broke the will of Maxwell Djantou Nana, forcing a verbal submission (retirement) in the third round simply by maintaining a pace his opponent couldn’t match.
Why Watch Him: Clarke is the “new breed” of heavyweight—athletic, technical, and with a gas tank that defies his size. He faces the PFL Europe veteran Abraham Bably in the Heavyweight Final. If Clarke can drag Bably into deep waters, he is the favorite to take the belt and the $100,000 prize.
7. Abdoulaye Kane (Senegal)
Senegal is famous for its wrestling (Laamb), but Abdoulaye Kane (4-1) is putting the division on notice with his striking. Standing 6’5″, Kane is a terrifying physical specimen who recently scored a 23-second head-kick knockout against Emmanuel Mukam at PFL Africa 3—arguably the highlight of the entire season.
Why Watch Him: Heavyweights who can move like featherweights are rare. Kane has shown he has the dexterity to launch high attacks that opponents of his size simply don’t see coming. He faces Jashell Ticha Awa in a heavyweight showcase. If Kane lands another highlight-reel KO, he will immediately become the most feared striker in the African heavyweight division.
Francis Ngannou will become the chairman of PFL Africa
The sheer depth and explosive talent demonstrated by fighters like Ndebele, Clarke, and Adeshina this season validates the PFL’s bold commitment to the African continent. This inaugural finals event is about much more than just a championship belt; it is a direct pipeline to the PFL Global roster, where the $1 million season prize awaits. The stakes are monumental, turning every punch and takedown on December 20th into a potential career-defining moment that can instantly transform a regional star into a global contender.
We are, unequivocally, watching the true genesis of African MMA’s next era of global dominance. While Francis Ngannou opened the door, it is these seven fighters, along with their determined peers, who are charging through it, carrying the ambition and pride of their nations. Tune in to Cotonou to witness not just the end of a tournament, but the launch of several international MMA careers.