Homecoming victories: South African stars dominate PFL Africa card in Pretoria

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) made a historic Pretoria debut at the SunBet Arena, where a capacity South African crowd witnessed a high-octane night of elite MMA action.

MAIN EVENT: THE KING RETAINS HIS THRONE

In the bantamweight main event, reigning 2025 PFL Africa Champion Nkosi "The King" Ndebele faced Italy’s Michele Clemente in a technical, high-paced encounter. The fighters traded sharp punches and elbows from the opening bell, with the Italian "Arrow" applying relentless forward pressure.

However, Clemente frequently found himself walking into crisp counter-strikes from Ndebele.

The two warriors produced an all-time classic, but it was the South African who showcased superior precision. Ndebele secured a comprehensive unanimous decision victory with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.

CO-MAIN EVENT: CLARKE’S STUNNING COMEBACK

South African heavyweight Justin Clarke provided one of the night's most dramatic moments in the co-main event. Facing the Senegalese giant Abdoulaye Kane, Clarke’s night nearly ended early after a dangerous wobble in the opening moments.

Recovering from the brink of defeat, the Team CIT fighter stayed on his feet to deliver a lethal left hook that sank Kane in the first round. Following a disappointing short-lived appearance in his last outing, Clarke’s homecoming performance served as a career-defining redemption.

READ: Pretoria primed and ready ahead of PFL Africa Season 2

NGUPHANE MAINTAINS MOMENTUM

Welterweight star Peace Nguphane delivered on his pre-fight promises, defeating Yabna "The Panther" N’Tchala to keep his winning streak alive and announce his arrival to the promotion in style.

While Nguphane had predicted a second-round finish, he ultimately secured a comfortable unanimous decision win against the reigning 2025 PFL Africa welterweight champion. Nguphane’s aggressive, confrontational style and superior wrestling allowed him to control the pace throughout the bout.