Nigerian fighters and international competitors have promised explosive performances as the Professional Fighters League prepares for its historic debut in Lagos on Saturday, with several athletes delivering bold declarations at a press conference held at Eko Hotels on Thursday, The PUNCH reports.
The event, PFL Africa: Nigeria — First Round, will take place at the Eko Convention Center and has been described by organisers as the largest MMA event in West African history.
The card features opening round bouts in the PFL Africa bantamweight and lightweight tournaments, alongside several showcase bouts highlighting top regional talent.
Headlining the night is a featherweight showcase between Nigeria’s Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina (10-3) and Spain’s Ignacio “Nacho” Campos (7-2), with the lightweight tournament co-main event pitting Nigeria’s Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme (8-1) against Cameroon’s Octave “The Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-1).
At Thursday’s press conference, several fighters made clear they had not travelled to Lagos to put on a cautious display.
Undefeated middleweight Yahaya “Smile Strong” Yahuza (8-0), who faces Cameroon’s Jordan Fongno (4-1), was among the most bullish.
“This fight is going to be an easy fight for me. I am very strong and getting into the cage, I will give everything I have to make sure I finish my opponent. I am very excited to be making my PFL debut,” he said.
Nigerian police officer and undefeated strawweight Juliet Ukah (9-0) credited her profession for keeping her sharp ahead of her bout against Brazil’s Elisandra Ferreira (9-2).
“God, my skill and my confidence make me different. Being in the police goes in line with what I do because it is also a difficult task. It makes me remain skilful and keep my senses sharp,” Ukah said, adding that she was pleased with PFL Africa’s role in creating opportunities for Nigerian and African fighters.
Lightweight contender Raphael Uchegbu (10-2), who faces Edson Machavane (7-1), spoke of his finishing instincts and his desire to entertain the home crowd.
“My experience and finishing ability makes me a standout for this event. I am always looking for the submission, the TKO, the knockout and it’s going to be no different when I perform. I am here to put on a show for the fans on Saturday,” he said.
Perhaps the boldest declaration came from Cornel “The Marine Boxer” Thompson (11-3), who faces undefeated Congolese fighter Tsilomba “The Old Monkey” Mikixi (5-0) in a lightweight tournament first-round bout.
“I believe and see myself as a god. When you go to Owerri, they call me the god of combat and I perform something like witchcraft in the cage. Winning is a guarantee,” Thompson said, adding that competing on PFL Africa brought him closer to his ultimate ambition.
“Now I know I am closer to my dream of being a world champion. I have that opportunity with this organisation and that is the one dream I have.”
Bantamweight contender Alain Majorique (6-1), set to face Dwight Joseph (15-3), kept his message brief but emphatic.
“This fight won’t go past the first round — either by submission, KO or TKO, it won’t go past the first round,” he said.
The international fighters were equally vocal. Cameroonian Anay Majere, known as the “African Assassin,” vowed a statement performance after suffering the first defeat of his career.
“The redemption for me is coming from a loss, and I didn’t like it. This time I’m going there for the submission, the TKO or the knockout. I’m coming for the finish,” he said.
His compatriot Ayinda, who meets Ocheme in the co-main event, admitted past emotional lapses had cost him but insisted those days were behind him.
“I got too emotional during my last fight. Maturity was the problem. Now I’m more prepared, I fixed those mistakes and I’m coming with a new strategy and a new energy,” Ayinda said.
Main event challenger Campos, who travels to Lagos knowing he will be fighting in front of a largely hostile crowd, appeared unfazed.
“I didn’t come here to fight just anyone. I came here to fight the champion. It’s an honour, but once the cage is closed, it’s going to be good,” the Spaniard said.
South Africa’s Thimna “Kingslayer” Mhlauli (5-0), who faces undefeated Algerian Karim “The Kryptonian” Henniene (6-0) in a bantamweight tournament clash between two unbeaten prospects, offered a measured but telling reflection on the nature of combat.
“If you’re about to fight another human being and you don’t feel fear, I don’t think you’re human. Fear is normal. It shows that what you’re about to do matters,” he said.
PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze set the broader context for Saturday’s event, describing Nigeria as both the heartbeat of African MMA and the natural home for the league’s West African launch.
“The future is Africa, but the present is Nigeria,” Schulze said, noting that roughly a third of the 26 fighters on the card are Nigerian. “That’s not by accident. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to Nigerian talent.”
Schulze added that PFL Africa’s model was built on collaboration rather than competition with existing local promotions.
“We don’t have competitors in this market. We have partners. Everybody is trying to build something bigger together and create opportunities for African fighters,” he said.
The event will be broadcast live on SuperSport across Africa in English and Canal+ in French.
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