PFL Africa debuts in Lagos as Ocheme shines, Adeshina falls in historic night

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) made history on Saturday as it staged its first-ever event on African soil, with Lagos hosting a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action that showcased both the promise and growing popularity of the sport across the continent.

Held at the Eko Convention Centre, PFL Africa: Nigeria First Round attracted an enthusiastic crowd and delivered a blend of dramatic finishes, tournament battles and showcase bouts featuring some of Africa’s top emerging fighters.

For Nigerian fans, the evening produced mixed emotions as local star Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme delivered one of the night’s most spectacular moments, while featherweight headliner Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina suffered a disappointing defeat in front of his home supporters.

Adeshina’s highly anticipated showdown against Spain’s Ignacio “Nacho” Campos served as the headline attraction of PFL Africa’s inaugural event in Nigeria.

The Nigerian began brightly, securing an early takedown, but Campos weathered the pressure, regained control and capitalised on an opening to secure a rear-naked choke submission just 1 minute and 45 seconds into the opening round.

The victory handed Campos a statement win on foreign soil and spoiled what many hoped would be a triumphant night for one of Nigeria’s most recognisable MMA figures.

However, the home crowd had reason to celebrate moments later when Ocheme produced a stunning knockout in the lightweight tournament co-main event.

Facing Cameroon’s Octave “The Bantu Warrior” Ayinda, Ocheme unleashed a perfectly timed flying knee after setting up the move with a sharp check hook, ending the contest in spectacular fashion and advancing his record to 9-1.

The knockout immediately became one of the defining highlights of PFL Africa’s historic debut.

Nigeria’s Raphael Uchegbu also enjoyed a successful outing, dominating Mozambique’s Edson Machavane over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the contest 30-27.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Cornel Thompson advanced in the lightweight tournament after securing a unanimous decision victory over Aureo Cruz, improving his professional record to 12 wins.

The event also featured several major upsets and standout performances.

Brazil’s Elisandra Ferreira handed previously unbeaten Nigerian strawweight Juliet Ukah the first defeat of her professional career, securing an armbar submission in the second round.

In another setback for the host nation, Cameroon’s Jordan Fongno ended Yahaya Yahuza’s eight-fight winning streak with a barrage of punches that forced a technical knockout stoppage in the second round.

Among the tournament competitors, Algeria-born Canadian fighter Karim Henniene reinforced his status as one of the favourites by maintaining his unbeaten record with a swift first-round anaconda choke submission victory.

Boule Godogo, Dwight Joseph, Demba Seck and Hussain Al Kurdi also progressed to the next stage of their respective tournaments after impressive victories.

The event opened with an inspiring performance from Shelda Chipito, who overcame an ankle injury to defeat Egypt’s Haidy Ahmed via rear-naked choke submission.

With its successful debut in Lagos, PFL Africa has taken a significant step in its ambition to establish a premier mixed martial arts platform for African fighters.

The promotion has already confirmed that its next major event will take place in Casablanca, Morocco, on October 10, where another crop of emerging stars will battle for advancement and continental recognition.