The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced that it will stage its first African event in Nigeria, marking a major step in the growth of mixed martial arts on the continent.
The competition is scheduled to take place at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
PFL is a global mixed martial arts organisation known for organising high-level fights and featuring some of the best fighters from around the world.
Its arrival in Africa is expected to boost the sport’s popularity and create more opportunities for local athletes to compete on an international stage.
According to the organisers, the event is set to become the biggest MMA show ever held in West Africa.
It will include the opening rounds of the PFL Africa bantamweight and lightweight tournaments, alongside several showcase bouts designed to highlight top fighters from across the region.
The main event will feature Nigeria’s Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina (10-3), who will face Spain’s Ignacio “Nacho” Campos (7-2) in a featherweight bout. Adeshina will be looking to impress fans on home soil and strengthen his reputation as one of Nigeria’s rising MMA stars.
In the co-main event, Nigeria’s Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme (8-1) will take on Cameroon’s Octave “The Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-1) in a lightweight tournament clash. Both fighters are expected to deliver an exciting contest, with Ocheme hoping to make the most of home support, while Ayinda aims to secure a strong victory.
Elias Schulze, General Manager of PFL Africa, described the Lagos event as a major milestone. He said Nigeria’s energy, talent, and passion for sports make it an ideal location.
He added that the event will showcase African MMA to a global audience and celebrate the culture and intensity of the sport.
The organisers also expressed confidence that the event will open new doors for African fighters, giving them greater exposure and access to global opportunities.
They noted that hosting such a major tournament in Lagos could inspire the next generation of athletes, while also strengthening Nigeria’s position as a key hub for sports and entertainment in Africa.
