PFL Expansion: New MMA Leagues For Pacific And Africa

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is growing fast and going global. After already launching in Europe and the Middle East, the PFL has now announced two new international leagues – one in Oceania (PFL Pacific) and the other in Africa (PFL Africa). These two new leagues are set to open more doors for fighters from those regions and offer fans top-level MMA action all year long.

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PFL Pacific: A New Beginning for Australian and New Zealand Fighters

The PFL is now stepping into Australia and New Zealand with the launch of PFL Pacific. This is the league’s fourth international division, and it will follow the PFL’s exciting “win and advance” tournament format, where fighters move ahead by winning, not through politics or favouritism.

What to Expect from PFL Pacific:

Starts in 2026
Will feature four live events in its first season
Top fighters from the Pacific region will compete
Tournament winners can earn big prize money
Offers a clear path to international MMA success

This league gives local fighters a chance to shine and fight their way into bigger international events. Instead of waiting for a call from a big promoter, these athletes can now earn their way up by proving themselves in the cage.

Champions Series Comes to the Pacific Too

Another exciting part is that PFL Pacific will also host events from the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai. These special events will feature global MMA stars competing alongside local fighters from Australia and New Zealand.

This mix of international and local talent will give fans world-class matches while allowing regional fighters to test themselves against the best. It also helps PFL grow even more globally, making the sport stronger everywhere.

PFL Africa: Big Debut Set for July 2025

Along with PFL Pacific, the PFL also confirmed the launch of PFL Africa, its third international league. The debut event is already set for July 26, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, at the GrandWest Arena.

Highlights of the PFL Africa Launch:

First event on July 26
Will include heavyweight and bantamweight tournaments
Eight fighters in each bracket
Event will also include five Champions Series fights
Francis Ngannou will be the Chairman of PFL Africa
Partnered with Helios and broadcast by Canal+

This event will bring together fighters from 14 different African nations, making it one of the most diverse fight nights in the region. Fighters like Jashell Ticha Awa, Nkosi Ndebele, and Simbarashe Hokonya are already lined up to compete.

The main event features Johnny Eblen, an undefeated middleweight world champ, taking on Costello van Steenis. In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva faces Sumiko Inaba.