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Bittersweet return for Mlambo as PFL Africa era kicks off in Cape Town
Cape Argus
|July 18, 2025
IT’S been a “bittersweet” return home for South Africa's Ireland-based mixed martial artist, Frans Mlambo.
For the first time in seven years, Mlambo (15-6) touched down in Cape Town this week ahead of his PFL Africa bantamweight clash against Zimbabwe's unbeaten Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0), set to take place at the Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World on Saturday, 19 July.
The fight is part of a historic event as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) officially launches its African franchise, marking a significant milestone in the global promotion’s expansion plans.
The 2025 PFL Africa tournament will feature four events across the continent, showcasing 32 fighters from 15 African countries across four weight divisions. All will be vying for PFL gold and the opportunity to graduate into the PFLs global business model.
Saturday’s event in Cape Town marks the first round of the bantamweight and heavyweight tournaments, with fighters aiming to secure spots in the semifinals and finals later this year.
This story is from the July 18, 2025 edition of Cape Argus.
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