Ahead of the highly anticipated debut of its inaugural Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa season, PFL held an open workout session in Kinshasa.

Hosted at the Champions Academy RDC Gym, the open workout featured Nigeria’s Juliet Ukah and South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr, two of the continent’s rising MMA stars. The duo will square off in a special Showcase Women’s Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town, marking a pivotal moment for women’s MMA in Africa.

Fans were treated to an exciting display of technique and intensity as Ukah and Niedermayr demonstrated their training routines before coming face-to-face for their first official staredown. The exhibition gave a preview of the electric atmosphere expected on fight night.

Ukah said: “I am very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We are going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight. Compared to her, I think I’m the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I’m comfortable wherever the fight goes. I expect to get the finish, but I don’t mind going to a third round if needed. Ceileigh, let’s bring out the best in each other and show the world how well African women can fight!”

On her part, Niedermayr said: “It’s truly an honor to be part of the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa. This fight camp isn’t just about preparing for my next opponent, it’s a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts. I’m always pushing myself to grow, to evolve, and to become the best fighter I can be.

“On fight night, I’m bringing a new level of Smiley Savagery to the SmartCage. I have a lot of respect for Juliet as a fighter, and I welcome the chance to test myself against her, but I don’t think she’s ever faced anyone like me. I’m expecting an exciting, high-level battle — and I’m ready for it.”

The inaugural PFL Africa season scheduled for July 19, 2025 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa, will serve as the kickoff for the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, featuring First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions.

Adding to the spectacle, the night will also include five marquee PFL Champions Series bouts, headlined by a Middleweight World Championship clash between undefeated titleholder Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-0) and Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3).
PFL Cape Town begins at 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST with the Africa Tournament bouts, followed by the Champions Series main card at 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST. Tickets are now available via Ticketpro, with a U.S. broadcast partner expected to be announced in the coming days.