The Professional Fighters League (PFL), a global powerhouse in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), has joined forces with Helios Sports and Entertainment Group (HSEG) to launch an unprecedented regional MMA league in Africa. This strategic partnership aims to elevate the sport and provide African fighters with a platform to showcase their talents and compete for a life-changing $1 million prize.
The launch of PFL Africa, which will join the organization’s existing regional leagues in Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), marks a significant milestone in the sport’s growth on the continent. PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed his excitement about the venture, stating,
“Africa is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world, including our league chairman Francis Ngannou, and some of the greatest fans in the sport. PFL Africa aims to serve the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market.”
The partnership with HSEG, a leading investment firm with a strong presence in Africa, further solidifies the PFL’s commitment to the region. Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, highlighted the immense potential of African MMA, stating,
“African talent has had disproportionate success on the global MMA stage, and MMA currently has a scarcity of events despite significant demand, creating a huge opportunity for growth as young Africans consume more digital content on their devices.”
PFL Africa is set to launch in the second quarter of 2025, with regular season, playoff, and championship events to be hosted on the continent and made available through regional media partners. This format will provide African fighters with a structured pathway to success, allowing them to earn their way through a true sport-season format and compete for the coveted $1 million prize.
The involvement of MMA superstar Francis Ngannou as the Chairman of PFL Africa further underscores the league’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing African talent. Ngannou, who has achieved global recognition for his prowess in the sport, expressed his pride in giving back to his homeland and providing a global stage for African MMA talent.
“As we have seen, there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase,” he said.
The partnership between PFL and HSEG is not only a game-changer for African MMA but also presents significant opportunities for the growth of the sport globally. By tapping into the vast potential of the African market, the PFL aims to expand its reach and attract a new generation of fans and athletes. Additionally,
The collaboration with HSEG, which has a diverse portfolio that includes investments in the NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League, promises to create synergies and cross-promotional opportunities that could further elevate the sport’s profile on the continent.
As the PFL and HSEG embark on this exciting venture, the future of MMA in Africa looks brighter than ever. With the promise of world-class competition, lucrative prize money, and the backing of industry leaders, the stage is set for African fighters to showcase their skills and inspire a new era of MMA excellence on the global stage.
