PFL Cape Town 2025: Eblen vs. van Steenis Headlines African Launch

The Professional Fighters League is making its South African debut with PFL Cape Town, set for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at GrandWest Arena. The event launches PFL Africa—joining PFL Europe and PFL MENA as the league expands its international reach— and kicks off the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament with heavyweight and bantamweight talent from across the continent.

Topping the card, undefeated middleweight champ Johnny Eblen (16-0) takes on Spain’s Costello van Steenis (16-3) in a bout that could shake up the division globally. In the co-main, rising British star Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) puts her unbeaten streak on the line against Hawaii’s Sumiko Inaba (8-1) in what’s expected to be a fast-paced flyweight showdown.

Beyond the headliners, PFL Cape Town gives the spotlight to local fighters stepping into the opening round of the PFL Africa Tournament—designed to uncover the next breakout stars from the region. It’s a major step for African MMA, and it comes with momentum: Francis Ngannou continues to be a vocal advocate for the sport’s growth on the continent.

For fight fans in Cape Town, it’s more than just a big night—it’s a chance to see world-class talent and homegrown hopefuls on the same stage. PFL Cape Town feels like the beginning of something bigger.