PFL AFRICA FINALS SET FOR KIGALI ON DECEMBER 12 WITH THREE CHAMPIONS TO BE CROWNED AT BK ARENA

Tickets for PFL Rwanda on December 12 at the BK Arena are available now via pfl.info/Rwandafinals 

NEW YORK (Oct 23, 2026) — Professional Fighters League (PFL) today officially announced PFL Rwanda for December 12 at the BK Arena, as the best mixed martial artists in Africa are set to meet in Kigali. The event will also see the culmination of the Welterweight (170 lbs), Lightweight (155 lbs) and Bantamweight (135 lbs) PFL Africa finals, with three champions set to leave the cage with gold strapped around their waist.

Tickets for PFL Rwanda are available now at pfl.info/Rwandafinals.  

In the main event, a king will be crowned at 170 lbs in the Welterweight Tournament Final as Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança (13-2), from Angola, will stand across the cage from Nigeria’s undefeated David Samuel (7-0). Esperança booked his place with a first-round finish in the semi-finals, while Samuel went the distance to keep his unbeaten record intact, setting a match-up between two fighters with full confidence they will become the welterweight champion in Africa. 

Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança said: “Me, my team and my family have been working a lot to make my dream come true, we work together to reach a better life for us. December 12, our African fans have to expect one of the greatest nights ever in Africa. 

"I believe that I can be that champion that the promotion deserves because I have been crafting myself for that.” 

David Samuel said: “My Nigerian roots opened the door for me to compete in PFL Africa, and reaching the final is a special source of pride for me. Behind this achievement are years of hard work, self-belief, and the support of those who have always stood by my side. 

"But my story is far from over. On December 12, I will step into the cage not just as a finalist, but as a man determined to finish what he started and become a champion.” 

The co-main event will be for the 155 lbs Lightweight Tournament Final, as Nigeria’s Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme (10-1) stamped his place in the final after winning his semi-final bout with a devastating body kick in the very first round. He’ll stand opposite Senegal’s Demba “Black Tiger” Seck (11-3), who advanced to the final and will be determined to prove he is Africa’s best at 155 lbs. 

Patrick Ocheme said: "I’m super excited to be heading to the PFL Africa Finals after securing two first-round KOs. This means a lot to me because finishing fights is what I do best, I’m a knockout artist by nature. 

"To all my PFL Africa supporters and MMA fans, you already know Star Boi never disappoints! God Almighty has my back, always, and I give Him all the glory. 

"On December 12, expect another beautiful performance with explosive action and hopefully a spectacular KO! I have a strong and powerful opponent standing across from me, and I respect the challenge he brings. But I trust my preparation, my fight IQ and my ability to get the job done, God willing, in the first or second round.” 

Demba Seck said: “Reaching the PFL Africa Finals means a lot to me, but my goal has always been clear: to become the Lightweight Champion! 

"Patrick is a tough opponent, and I always knew our paths could cross in the final. I respect his skills, but I truly believe I'm the most complete, technical, strongest, and the most experienced fighter in this division.” 

And then, to determine Africa’s best fighter at 135 lbs, the Bantamweight Tournament Final will feature Liberia’s Dwight Joseph (17-3), who is coming off a split decision victory in his semi-final and will compete against Raphael Uchegbu (11-2), from Nigeria, who as a former FCC champion is more than ready to reach gold once again. 

Raphael Uchegbu said: “I’m so happy to be in the finals of the tournament. This is a chance to take my career to the next level and bring Nigeria a new champion. Winning in the final will change my life and I look forward to bringing the belt back to the motherland and showing the next generation of African fighters what is possible! Fans can expect fireworks on December 12th I’m coming to make a statement and prove I’m the best bantamweight in Africa.” 

Dwight Joseph said: “Reaching the finals means a lot to me. This is why I joined the tournament last year. Coming up short last year, motivated me to push even harder this time around. I’m writing a different story this time in Kigali. I’m getting my hand raised, leaving with that belt, and taking it back to Liberia.” 

PFL Rwanda will be broadcast across Africa on SuperSport for English-speaking viewers, and Canal+ for French-speaking audiences, and will also be available on free-to-air via SportyTV. 

PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze said: “Kigali will take center stage as we crown Africa’s next champions in front of a global audience. These fighters embody the discipline, resilience and self-mastery that make MMA so compelling.

"Together with our Rwandan partners, we’re giving African talent a world stage, and the next generation something to fight for.”

Updated PFL Rwanda card: 
SuperSport (Africa - English) | Canal+ (Africa - French) | SportyTV (Africa) 
BK Arena – Kigali, Rwanda 
Saturday, December 12 

PFL Africa Welterweight Tournament Final: Shido Boris Esperança (13-2) vs. David Samuel (7-0) 
PFL Africa Lightweight Tournament Final: Patrick Ocheme (10-1) vs. Demba Seck (11-3) 
PFL Africa Bantamweight Tournament Final: Dwight Joseph (17-3) vs. Raphael Uchegbu (11-2) 

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