The General Manager of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa, Elias Schulze, has described Africa as the continent most suited to produce champions in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) due to the vast number of talents scattered across the region.
PFL's Debut in Lagos
Speaking in Lagos yesterday ahead of the PFL's debut in the city tomorrow, Schulze stated that bringing the event to Lagos had always been a priority for the organization. He emphasized that they view the continent as the future of MMA and Nigeria as its present.
Schulze remarked: “The future is Africa, but the present is Nigeria, so that’s why we’re here. People now see that there’s a pathway for a professional fighter to compete profitably and fairly on the African continent, and then move to the global stage. Africa is a prime destination that can work out in the world. There are now many Nigerians in the MMA, and we are proud to be contributing to the growth of the sport here.”
Nigerian Fighters in the Spotlight
Schulze noted that it is no coincidence that eight of the 26 fighters scheduled to compete in Lagos tomorrow are Nigerians. “We are spoilt for choice when it comes to Nigeria,” he added.
He assured MMA fans of an exceptional event on Saturday, with arrangements made to broadcast the fights worldwide via Supersport and Sporting TV. “We believe MMA should be the most democratic and accessible sport across the continent. Whether that means you’re showing up live at the event and you get a ticket or whatever, we have something for everybody… whatever it is, that there’s a way to access the fight without too much difficulty for anybody,” Schulze said.
Fighters Confident Ahead of Bout
Earlier, Nigerian fighters on the bill—Juliet Ukah, Patrick Ocheme, Cornel Thompson, Raphael Uchegbu, Wasi Adeshina, and Yahaya Yahuza—assured their fans that they would emerge victorious despite the caliber of opponents lined up against them.
Juliet Ukah, a policewoman who is set to face Zambia’s Shelda Chipito, stated that she has prepared thoroughly for Saturday night and that defeating Chipito is already a done deal. “I have prepared very well for this fight; because we don’t have the facilities and equipment, I went to train in DR Congo and I am ready,” she said.
Cornel Johnson, also known as Ekwensu, who holds a record of 11 wins and three losses, said fighting in Lagos has given him the opportunity to demonstrate his true abilities to his fans. Johnson declared: “Inside the cage I am a god. Nobody can stand me, no matter what the person claims to be. If you are faint-hearted, stay at home because I am going to demolish anything that stands before me in the cage.”
