Latest news with #SmartCage
Qatar Tribune
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Ukah, Niedermayr face off in Kinshasa ahead of historic PFL Africa debut
Tribune News Network Doha The Professional Fighters League (PFL) held an open workout ahead of the debut of the inaugural season of PFL Africa, which is set to take place on Saturday, July 19th at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa. The open workout took place at the Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa, Congo, and featured Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr. The two PFL Africa stars will face off in a Showcase Women's Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town. In front of the fans and media in attendance, Ukah and Niedermayr showcased their skills in a public training session before facing off for the first time ahead of their highly anticipated showdown. Tickets for the event are on sale now via Ticketpro. Juliet Ukah said: 'I'm very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We're 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!' Ceileigh 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 historic PFL Cape Town event will kick off the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, featuring First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions. The event will also be headlined by five must-see PFL Champions Series bouts, including a Middleweight World Championship main event between titleholder Johnny 'Pressure' Eblen (16-0) and challenger Costello 'The Spaniard' van Steenis (16-3).
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
PFL Holds First-Ever MMA Event in the Congo
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The PFL continues to expand its international footprint, and the MMA organization is set to launch PFL Africa with its first event on July 19 in Cape Town, South Africa. More news: UFC Legend Jon Jones Has Officially Retired Ahead of the first event, the PFL also held the first-ever MMA event in the Congo, as flyweight combatants Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr engaged in an open workout in front of a very excited crowd. @PFLMMA officially held the first-ever MMA open workout in Kinshasa, Congo, ahead od the upcoming PFL Cape Town event. Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr showcased their skills in front of a massive crowd. All videos and images are courtesy of PFL. — James Brizuela (@james_brizuela) June 25, 2025 Ukah and Niedermayr are set to face off against one another in a Showcase Women's Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town. The PFL Cape Town card will be headlined with a PFL Champions Series main event featuring Johnny "Pressure" Eblen (16-0) and challenger Costello "The Spaniard" van Steenis (16-3). Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr posing for photos at their open workout ahead of PFL Cape Town. Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr posing for photos at their open workout ahead of PFL Cape Town. PFL More news: Exclusive: Mike Perry on Dirty Boxing Success and Partnering With Jon Jones Also, Dakota "Dangerous" Ditcheva (14-0) returns for a massive fight against Sumiko "Lady Samurai" Inaba (8-1). With the importance of having an MMA fight in the Congo, along with Africa in general, Ukah and Niedermayr spoke about their excitement for the fight but also being able to showcase their skills in their home country. Ukah stated: "I'm very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We're 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!" 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." PFL Cape Town begins at 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST with the PFL Africa Tournament, followed by the PFL Champions Series, which begins at 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST. For more on MMA, head to Newsweek Sports.
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘I want to be the best': Kuwait's Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Undefeated Kuwaiti mixed martial arts standout Eman Almudhaf is determined to be victorious in her long-awaited SmartCage debut at PFL MENA 1 on May 9 at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The card for the PFL MENA's highly-anticipated second season in Jeddah features an exciting crop of newcomers, which includes Almudhaf, who faces fellow PFL debutant Shamara Braga from Brazil in a women's featherweight showcase bout. The 32-year-old Almudhaf owns a pristine 4-0 professional MMA record, with all her wins coming by way of stoppage. Ahead of her maiden appearance, the UAE Warriors veteran has made her goals clear: 'I want to be the best.' While it may sound like a lofty goal, it is one that Almudhaf expects out of herself, especially since she has already made history as the first female fighter from Kuwait to join the PFL. More than just the distinction of being the first, Almudhaf is proud to be blazing a path for athletes like herself. 'Being the first Kuwaiti female fighter in the PFL is great, of course. 'We're showing that we belong in this sport at the highest level, just as much as anyone,' she said. Almudhaf relishes the opportunity, especially since she was a witness to PFL MENA's immensely successful first season. 'I did follow some of the fights, especially when the Kuwaiti fighters were on. I did follow last season's finals as well,' she revealed. 'I'm impressed by the level of talent and how fast the league is growing.' 'I'm very excited to be part of the biggest show in the Middle East right now,' she added. In her first assignment under the PFL MENA banner, Almudhaf will take on a dangerous and significantly more experienced fighter in Braga, who owns a 5-3 professional record. While her opponent has had more fights, Almudhaf is unfazed. 'My opponent looks tough and has double the cage experience I have, but technically and tactically, I believe that I'm better in all aspects of the game,' she said. 'I predict a dominant performance.' Almudhaf will not have the luxury of a full fight camp for her PFL debut, but she is confident that her years of work have prepared her well for this opportunity. 'Though it was a relatively short-notice fight, I have always been training and staying ready for any opportunity that comes,' she explained. 'I can't wait to show all the work I've put in, not just for this fight but from all my years of training.' While Almudhaf hails from Kuwait, she sharpens her skills in the UK, training out of the famed London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team stables. 'I'm incredibly proud to represent Kuwait and the MENA region, as well as both my teams in the UK, London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team,' she shared. Almudhaf hopes she can become an inspiration for another generation of Kuwaiti athletes. 'If I had any advice, it would be to stay focused, work hard, and don't let anyone limit you.' She added: 'Yes, of course, there are many challenges, different ones at each stage of my career, but I believe that having the belief in myself, a big passion for the sport, and a strong team around me helps me face any obstacle along the way.'
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Evra to make mixed martial arts debut at PFL Paris
Former Manchester United and France footballer Patrice Evra will make his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris on Friday, 23 43-year-old - who quit football in 2018 - has been training since 2016 with PFL star and friend Cedric opponent for Evra's PFL Europe Showcase Bout in the SmartCage at the Accor Arena is yet to be announced."I love this game too," said Evra, who won 81 caps for France. "I've performed on the world's biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me."I've been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they'll also tell you I'm ready for this. I'm going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle."Evra played 379 times for Manchester United between 2006 and 2014, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions also played for several clubs in France and Italy, including Monaco and Juventus, and ended his football career with a short spell at West retiring he has worked as a TV Professional Fighters League (PFL) calls itself "a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide".
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patrice Evra to make his MMA debut: 'They asked who I wanna face. I said Luis Suarez.'
Former France and Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has announced he will make his MMA debut during the Professional Fighters League (PFL) event in Paris, on Friday, May 23rd. The PFL have confirmed this rather unexpected news. 'I can't tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together', said PFL CEO Pete Murray. 'But I think you're going to see it at the Accor Arena, Paris, we're coming to put on another historic evening of MMA, don't miss out.' Evra has reportedly started his combat training in 2016 alongside French PFL superstar Cédric Doumbé, a close friend of the former Juventus and Marseille defender. 'I've performed on the world's biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me', Evra said. 'I've been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they'll also tell you I'm ready for this. I'm going to put on a show.' Advertisement The PFL is yet to announce who will face Evra in the SmartCage. Although the France international has already joked he would like to fight… former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The Uruguay international infamously used a racial slur aimed at Evra during a Premier League game between the Reds and the Red Devils, which led to Suarez being handed an 8-game ban. The pair refused to shake hands before the next meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United. 'He can even bite me', adds Evra as a reference to Suarez's tendency to bite his opponents. GFFN | Bastien Cheval
