![Knockout Chaos Workouts Francis Ngannou, PFL Africa Chairman, ahead of Anthony Johnson boxing match](https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/081A7201-696x464.jpg)
The Professional Fighters League’s expansion plans continue to take shape, with PFL Africa now set to launch in Q2 2025.
On Wednesday, league officials announced the company’s updated plans for it’s Africa offering, which will see heavyweight Francis Ngannou acting as Chairman. Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, a private equity firm, has also come onboard as a stakeholder, having made an investment in PFL Africa.
Helios Sports & Entertainment Group is a branch of Helios Investment Partners, named as Private Equity International’s Africa firm of the year for the fifth year running in 2023.
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray, quoted in Wednesday’s press release. “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. Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.”
The Professional Fighters League has previously found success with PFL Europe, which has produced stars like Dakota Ditcheva and Cedric Doumbe. Earlier this year, the promotion also launched PFL MENA (Middle East-North Africa).