https://arab.news/8zgq8
- Fighters showcase their skills during public training session ahead of their bout at the opening event of the inaugural PFL Africa season on July 19 in Cape Town
- 鈥榃e鈥檙e going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight,鈥� Ukah says
KINSHASA: As the countdown continues to the start of the inaugural season of PFL Africa on July 19, Professional Fighters League stars Juliet Ukah from Nigeria and Ceileigh Niedermayr from South Africa took part in an open workout on Wednesday.
The fighters, who will face off in a Showcase Women鈥檚 Strawweight Bout during the PFL Africa opener at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town next month, showcased their skills for fans and media at the public training session, which took place at the Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
鈥淚鈥檓 very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one,鈥� said Ukah. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight.
鈥淐ompared to her, I think I鈥檓 the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I鈥檓 comfortable wherever the fight goes.鈥�
She added that expects to get the finish but would not mind if the fight went to a third round if needed.
Niedermayr said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 truly an honor to be part of the first-ever women鈥檚 fight in PFL Africa. This fight camp isn鈥檛 just about preparing for my next opponent, it鈥檚 a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts.
鈥淥n fight night, I鈥檓 bringing a new level of 鈥楽miley Savagery鈥� to the SmartCage,鈥� she added, referring to her professional nickname. 鈥淚 have a lot of respect for Juliet as a fighter and I welcome the chance to test myself against her.鈥�
She said she has never faced anyone like Ukah and expects an 鈥渆xciting, high-level battle and I鈥檓 ready for it.鈥�
The historic PFL Cape Town event will mark the start of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament and feature first-round matchups in the heavyweight and bantamweight divisions.
The headline bouts include five must-see PFL Champions Series clashes, including a Middleweight World Championship main event in which titleholder Johnny 鈥淧ressure鈥� Eblen (with a record of 16-0) will take on challenger Costello 鈥淭he Spaniard鈥� van Steenis (16-3). Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro.