Juliet Ukah, Ceileigh Niedermayr set Africa ablaze ahead PFL showdown

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) brought the heat to Kinshasa with an electrifying open workout featuring two of its standout athletes-Nigeria’s Juliet Ukah and South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr, ahead of their historic clash at the inaugural PFL Africa event in Cape Town.

The public session, held at Champions Academy RDC Gym, marked the first official face-off between the strawweight contenders, who will battle it out in a highly anticipated Showcase Women’s Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town, set to take place on Saturday, July 19 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest.

Before a crowd of enthusiastic fans and media, both fighters demonstrated their elite skills, intensity, and mutual respect, fuelling anticipation for what promises to be a milestone bout in African MMA history.

Ukah (Nigeria) on the Moment: “It’s a huge honour to be part of the first-ever PFL Africa card. Representing Nigeria in this historic moment means everything to me. Ceileigh and I are stepping in for two of Africa’s biggest MMA nations — and we’re ready to show the world what African women are made of.

“I believe I’m the more seasoned fighter and a sharper striker. I’m confident in any position the fight goes, and while I’ll look for the finish, I’m prepared to go all three rounds if I need to. Ceileigh, let’s bring our best and make this a fight to remember.”

Niedermayr (South Africa) on Making History: “Being part of the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa is an honour I’ll never forget. This fight isn’t just another matchup — it’s the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and a lifelong passion for martial arts.

“On fight night, I’m bringing what I call ‘Smiley Savagery’ into the SmartCage. I have deep respect for Juliet’s skills, but I don’t think she’s ever faced someone like me. I expect a technical, high-octane battle and I’m absolutely ready for it.”

What to Expect at PFL Cape Town

The PFL Cape Town event will mark the official launch of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, with opening round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions.

The evening will be capped with five high-stakes PFL Champions Series bouts, headlined by a blockbuster Middleweight World Championship clash between undefeated titleholder Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-0) and top contender Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3).

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town

Start Time:

PFL Africa Tournament: 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST

PFL Champions Series: 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST

Tickets: On sale now via Ticketpro

Broadcast: U.S. broadcast partner to be announced soon

About the Professional Fighters League

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest-growing global MMA organisation and the only league to operate with a merit-based “win-and-advance” tournament format. The PFL features three key fight platforms: PFL World Tournament, PFL Champions Series, and PFL International Leagues — including PFL Africa.

With broadcast distribution in 190 countries via 20 major media partners, the PFL is backed by prominent global investors and continues to redefine the future of mixed martial arts. The sport of MMA now commands over 650 million fans globally, with one of the youngest and most dynamic audience demographics in sports.

Download media assets (photos/videos) from the open workout here.