The Professional Fighters League (PFL) breaks new ground this weekend as the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa, hosts the promotion’s debut on African soil.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – Cape Town, which effectively serves as the event’s main card, features several of the organization’s most notable names, including Dakota Ditcheva, Johnny Eblen, and Corey Anderson.
Meanwhile, the undercard will showcase PFL Africa’s First Round matchups in the heavyweight and bantamweight tournaments.
Let’s take a look at the main card action set for this historic Saturday event.
Main Event: Johnny Eblen vs. Costello van Steenis (Middleweight world title)
One of the biggest stars on the PFL roster - Johnny Eblen (16-0) puts his perfect record on the line against seasoned challenger Costello van Steenis in the main event.
Eblen, a former Bellator champion, has built a reputation as one of the best front foot fighters in the sport. His outstanding wrestling pedigree has allowed him to neutralize some of the best middleweights in the world—and he’ll look to do the same here.
Van Steenis (16-3), meanwhile, comes into this bout with nothing to lose and everything to gain. The Dutch striker is unpredictable on the feet and dangerous on the ground, with an ability to end fights in a flash. He’ll need to keep the bout standing and force Eblen out of his rhythm early.
Co-Main Event: Dakota Ditcheva vs. Sumiko Inaba (Flyweight)
Saturday’s co-main event sees the long-awaited return of Dakota Ditcheva in Cape Town as she takes on Sumiko Inaba in a flyweight clash.
Still undefeated at 14-0, Ditcheva has rapidly become one of the brightest stars in women’s MMA. The British striker possesses a lethal mix of speed, accuracy, and finishing instinct—attributes that powered her to back-to-back PFL Europe and Global tournament titles in just two years. After a well-earned layoff, “Dangerous” is back and looking to make another statement.
Hawaiian veteran Inaba (8-1) presents a serious challenge. A former Bellator contender with a well-rounded skill set and a strong reputation, the 34-year-old is aiming to derail Ditcheva’s momentum and catapult herself into title contention.
AJ McKee Jr. vs. Akhmed Magomedov (Featherweight)
AJ McKee Jr. makes his long-awaited return to featherweight this Saturday as he squares off with undefeated Russian standout Akhmed Magomedov in a compelling clash of styles at PFL Africa.
McKee (21-1) burst onto the global stage with his dominant run through the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix, showcasing explosive striking, elite grappling, and creative finishing ability. Now back at 145 pounds after a stint at lightweight, “The Mercenary” is eager to remind fans why he was once considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.
Magomedov (11-0-1) enters the bout with momentum on his side and an unblemished record to protect. A composed technician with sharp wrestling and clinical striking, he represents one of McKee’s toughest stylistic tests to date.
It’s a classic showdown between proven pedigree and rising potential—one that could have major implications for the future of the PFL featherweight division.
Makkasharip Zaynukov vs. Takeshi Izumi (Lightweight)
Makkasharip Zaynukov and Takeshi Izumi are set to collide in a high-stakes lightweight bout this Saturday at PFL Africa—a matchup that pits two surging prospects with very different paths to the spotlight.
Zaynukov (8-0) enters as one of the most talked-about rising stars in the division. The Russian standout has built an undefeated record on the strength of suffocating grappling. This fight marks his PFL debut, and expectations are sky-high.
Izumi (7-2), a battle-tested striker from Japan, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse striking arsenal. Known for his durability, Izumi thrives in chaotic exchanges and has the kind of power that can change a fight in an instant.
Corey Andersen vs. Denis Goltsov (Heavyweight)
Former Bellator light heavyweight champion Corey Anderson makes his return in the main card opener as he takes on Denis Goltsov in a rare cross-divisional showdown.
Anderson (17-6), a former light heavyweight title challenger in both the UFC and Bellator, is stepping up to heavyweight for the first time under the PFL banner. Known for his wrestling base, “Overtime” brings elite-level experience and cardio to the heavyweight division.
Goltsov (32-8), a longtime PFL staple and one of the most technically polished big men in the sport, enters the bout with a wealth of heavyweight experience. Riding a wave of recent finishes, the Russian bruiser will be looking to test Anderson’s chin and strength in unfamiliar waters.
Complete PFL Champions Series Road to Dubai: Cape Town Card:
- Middleweight World Championship Main Event: Johnny Eblen (16-0) vs. Costello van Steenis (16-3)
- Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba (8-1)
- Featherweight Showcase Bout: AJ McKee (22-2) vs. Akhmed Magomedov (11-1)
- Lightweight Showcase Bout: Artur Zaynukov (16-4) vs. Takeshi Izumi (6-3)
- Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Corey Anderson (18-6) vs. Denis Goltsov (36-8)
Complete PFL Africa Card:
- Bantamweight First Round Bout: Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef (5-2)
- Heavyweight First Round Bout Maxwell Djantou Nana (6-1) vs. Mikael Groguhe (6-2)
- Bantamweight First Round Bout: Shannon Van Tonder (7-2) vs. Boule Godogo (3-0)
- Heavyweight First Round Bout: Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) vs. Justin Clarke (2-0)
- Bantamweight First Round Bout: Asiashu Tshitamba (6-4) vs. Karim Henniene (4-0)
- Heavyweight First Round Bout: Abdoulaye Kane (3-0) vs. Joffie Houlton (7-4)
- Bantamweight First Round Bout: Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) vs. Frans Mlambo (15-6)
- Heavyweight First Round Bout: Abraham Bably (5-2) vs. Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze (8-5)
- Showcase Women’s Strawweight Bout: Juliet Ukah (6-0) vs. Ceileigh Niedermayr (3-2)
