While smaller, local events have previously been held, this marks the first time a major global promotion is bringing a high-stakes, international tournament to the region, solidifying Rwanda's role as a growing hub for world-class sporting events.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Elias Schulze, General Manager of PFL Africa, shared his vision for the event, emphasising its potential to inspire Rwandan youth and cement the country's role as a growing sports hub.
Featuring top-tier fighters from across the continent, the main card includes thrilling matchups across four weight classes: Patrick Ocheme (Nigeria) vs. Abdoul Razac Sankara (Burkina Faso) in the featherweight division; Nkosi Ndebele (South Africa) vs. Simbarashe Hokonya (Zimbabwe) in bantamweight; Shido Boris Esperança (Angola) vs. Octave Ayinda (Cameroon) in welterweight; and Maxwell Djantou Nana (Cameroon) vs. Justin Clarke (South Africa) in heavyweight.
The athletes, described by Schulze as 'proven rock stars,' have advanced through gruelling quarterfinals to compete for a spot in the finals in Benin this December.
'This is really showcasing the exceptional talent that has developed up till now,' said Schulze, describing the high-calibre fighters competing in four weight classes.
Broadcast to 40 million households across the continent via Canal+, SuperSport, and other platforms, the semi-finals will also reach global audiences, putting Rwanda in the spotlight.
Perfect stage for MMA
Schulze, who first visited Rwanda in 2006 as an intern, marvelled at the country's transformation over the past two decades.
'The infrastructure development is enormous,' he noted, praising the government and private sector's investment in sport and culture. BK Arena, opened in 2019 with a 10,000-seat capacity, is a centrepiece of this progress.
'It rivals venues in Paris, London, or Dallas,' Schulze declared, citing its cleanliness, modern amenities, and ability to host world-class events. 'You won't know the difference.'
The arena's selection for the semi-finals underscores Rwanda's growing reputation as a rising hub for international sporting events, from the Basketball Africa League to cycling and now MMA.
Schulze credited Rwanda's visa-free policy for Africans and streamlined processes for international visitors, which facilitate events like PFL's by enabling fighters and fans from countries like Uganda and Kenya to attend.
'Rwanda has built an ecosystem for sports, not just for East Africa but for the world,' he said.
Inspiring youth through resilience and discipline
A core mission of PFL Africa, inspired by chairman Francis Ngannou's own journey, is to create a global-quality MMA ecosystem where African athletes can thrive without leaving the continent. Schulze emphasised the sport's alignment with Rwanda's ethos of resilience, self-mastery, and disciplineâ€"qualities he sees reflected in both MMA fighters and the nation's post-1994 recovery.
'When I think of Rwanda, I think of getting knocked down but saying, 'Next time, I'll win,'' he said. 'That's what MMA is about.'
The event aims to inspire Rwandan youth through community engagement. PFL Africa is collaborating with Rwanda's Ministry of Sports and local combat sports federations to organise activities during fight week, including gym visits and school programs.
'I was on the phone with Francis [Ngannou] yesterday, and he was talking about how self-discipline is so important, both when you haven't made success yet and even when you're successful,' Schulze shared. 'That message of self-mastery and resilience is what the youth need, and we hope to bring it through our athletes, with activities in gyms or schools during fight week.'
Adding a local flavour, the event features fighter James Opio, who grew up in Rwanda before relocating to Uganda. Schulze highlighted Opio's 'homecoming' as a key draw, urging Rwandans to support him.
'Come out for James, or for rockstar fighters like Ochi, Sankara, and Ndebele,' Schulze said. 'This is the peak of the sport.'
Looking ahead, Schulze envisions Rwanda as the heart of MMA in East Africa, potentially across the continent.
'We want to pull top talent and grow local federations,' he said, describing PFL's 'pull and grow' model.
By empowering athletes, including women who compete for equal prizes, and fostering inspiring stories like Ngannou's, PFL Africa aims to make MMA a top sport alongside football and basketball.
'Rwanda has the potential to be associated with the explosion of this sport,' Schulze added.
The semi-finals, with early-bird tickets already selling out, promise an "engaging, dynamic, entertaining" spectacle, according to Schulze. "Come out on October 18," he urged. "You won't be disappointed."
The semi-finals are expected to boost the local economy, with thousands of attendees, including international visitors, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Schulze noted that 80 people, including 50â€"60 fighters and their teams, will be flown in, likely with RwandAir, while local vendors at BK Arena will see increased activity.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
