Maxwell Djantou Nana’s claim to fame is his success in Sambo, having won multiple national championships in his native Africa, as well as the 2021 Combat Sambo World Championship, where he defeated PFL heavyweight finalist Denis Goltsov in the +98kg finals. Nana has competed in various notable MMA promotions and has won five straight after dropping his professional debut. Nana last fought in February, scoring a second-round TKO of Adnan Larry.

 

Kent Mafileo turned pro in 2021 after a 6-4 run on the amateur circuit, which saw him claim amateur heavyweight gold. Mafileo, who is most skilled with his striking, has won six of eight professional fights and picked up a regional heavyweight title in the process. Mafileo takes this fight on super-short notice, having fought earlier this month in a dominant first-round TKO of Willie Tarpley.

 

Which of these two heavyweights will be left standing when they slug it out in this showcase?

 

 

Round 1

 

One-two from Nana to start things off. Low kick and a one-two from Nana. Mafileo lands a jab. Low kick by Mafileo. Nana with a low kick again. Mafileo responds in kind. The two exchange and clash. Nana lands a pair of chopping kicks. Mafileo lands a low kick. Nana misses a big front kick. Nana misses an overhand right. Nana misses another right hand. Nana slips, and Mafileo nearly connects as he gets up. Nana backing Mafileo up. Low kick from Mafileo. Right hand and a low kick from Nana. Mafileo throws a pair of left hands. Big clash from the two men again.

 

Left hand a low kick from Mafileo. Nana misses an overhand left. Hard low kick from Nana. High kick from Nana is blocked. Another kick by Nana. Mafileo tries to move forwards and pressure after switching stances. Left hand and a low kick from Nana. Mafileo misses a high kick. Accidental eye poke from Nana brings a time-out, and Nana is given a hard warning. Nana misses a pair of right hands upon resuming. Nana landing a couple of brutal low kicks, and Mafileo’s leg appears to be wobbly. Nana lands a body kick. Another low kick from Mafileo. Mafileo lands a three-punch combination. Hook lands for Mafileo, and he’s backing Nana up. Mafileo with a front kick to the body.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Front kick from Nana as he flashes the left jab. Low kick from Nana, but he misses a right kick to the body. Both men exchange low kicks. Mafileo flashes the jab now, but Nana looks for a hook. Mafileo throws a combination. Nana scores a takedown with Mafileo against the fence. Nana raining down hammerfists! Mafileo is able to get back to his feet and bring the fight back to the center of the SmartCage. Nana quickly takes him down again and starts to beat Mafileo’s legs with kicks. A few seconds later, the referee brings Mafileo back to the feet. Another low kick from Nana. Low kick by Mafileo. Nana with another low kick.

 

 

Nana lands a straight right to the body. Nana pressures Mafileo to the fence. Right hand by Nana. Mafileo comes forward with a lead hook. Nana slips, and Mafileo throws a combination but lands nothing. Low kick from Mafileo. Nana lands a right hand in an exchange. Low kick from Mafileo, but Nana makes him eat a right hand. Mafileo throws a pair of hooks. Hook to the body by Nana. Straight left and a high kick. Nana stuns Mafileo, but Mafileo responds. Nana lands a right hand that CRACKS Mafileo and drops him! A hammerfist puts Mafileo out cold!

 

 

Maxwell Djantou Nana with a brutal finish to send a message!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Maxwell Djantou Nana defeats Kent Mafileo by 2nd round TKO (4:52) in a PFL Heavyweight Showcase Fight

  • Djantou Nana moves his career record to 6-1. All 6 wins have come by knockout.
  • Djantou Nana will compete in the inaugural 2025 PFL Africa season
  • Djantou Nana is a Combat Sambo World Champion who defeated PFL Finalist Denis Goltsov in the Combat Sambo World Championship Final in 2021