Ocheme, Uchegbu lead Nigerian charge as PFL Africa Semi-Finals head to Morocco

Nigerian mixed martial artists Patrick Ocheme and Raphael Uchegbu are set to lead their country's contingent at the upcoming PFL Africa semi-finals. The event is scheduled for October 10 at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco, billed as the biggest MMA night in the host nation's history.

This event signifies a major step in the Professional Fighters League's expansion across Africa, marking its first foray into North Africa. PFL Africa general manager Elias Schulze emphasized the league's commitment to establishing a presence throughout the continent. The winners of each semi-final bout will secure a spot in the PFL Africa Finals later this year.

In the bantamweight division, Raphael Uchegbu will face the undefeated Karim Henniene of Algeria-Canada in the co-main event. Uchegbu, with a professional record of 11-2, impressed in the PFL Africa: Nigeria event with a dominant unanimous decision win. Meanwhile, Patrick Ocheme will compete in an all-Nigerian lightweight semi-final against Cornel Thompson, ensuring Nigerian representation in the final of that division. Ocheme, who has remained unbeaten in nine of his last 10 fights, is known for his spectacular knockout power.

The heavyweight division will headline the card, featuring Senegal's Abdoulaye Kane against Morocco's Badr Medkouri. Other semi-final matchups include Angola's Shido Boris Esperança versus South Africa's Peace Nguphane, and Guinea-Bissau's Rivaldo Pereira against Nigeria's David Samuel. The diverse representation from countries like Algeria, Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Chad, and Liberia underscores the continental scope of the PFL Africa project.

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We’re looking to go to all four corners of the continent.