Dana White has always had a vision for Africa. A UFC event on African soil has been in his sights ever since champions like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and now, Dricus Du Plessis rose to the top. Last year, the UFC boss had confessed, “The place that we would have to do it at is outdoors, and you know how I feel about that. So I’ve been trying to figure out the weather, and one of the big things that I’ve been hearing out there is that wind is a big problem.” But while White hesitates over the logistics, wind, rain, and bugs, another promotion is stepping in with zero fear.

The Professional Fighters League isn’t just talking. They are making moves! On July 26, their cage will land in Cape Town. Under the bright lights of Grand West Arena, PFL Africa will launch with fists flying and history in the making. As the UFC stalls, the PFL charges forward, and suddenly, the bossman’s empire may have competition on African ground!

Dana White and the UFC are left in the dust as the PFL heads to Africa first

In a recent post on X, PFL Africa wrote, “𝘼𝙁𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼. 𝙒𝙀 𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙄𝙉𝙂.” That’s not just a teaser. It’s a promise. A promise the PFL plans to keep with its first African fight card headlined by stars like Johnny Eblen and Dakota Ditcheva. Eight-man brackets in the heavyweight and bantamweight divisions will light the fuse, and a continent full of warriors will finally see their chance to shine.

According to a statement by PFL CEO Peter Murray, “Kicking off the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town alongside the launch of PFL Africa reflects our commitment to grow the sport of MMA throughout the continent as well as provide pathways for African fighters to compete on a global stage and become champions.”

It’s not just a fight night, it’s a movement. And leading the charge? None other than the former UFC heavyweight champion who once shook the Octagon to its core: Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’, now the chairman of PFL Africa, isn’t holding back. “I chose the PFL out of everyone in order to change the game of MMA,” he declared in the fiery promo video for the launch. “I see champions in Africa already. It’s just a matter of time.” He’s not talking in hypotheticals. He’s laying out a roadmap. And unlike the UFC, that path doesn’t pause for poor weather forecasts.

Let’s not forget the irony. Dana White already has a South African world champion in Dricus Du Plessis. The UFC also had the ‘Three Kings’ era when 3 champions of African origins held titles in the company. Yet when it comes to planting the Octagon in Africa? It’s been excuse after excuse.

And that’s what stings. The PFL didn’t just outmaneuver the UFC, they beat them to the punch on African soil. They’ve already launched PFL Europe. They’ve rolled out PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa). Now, they’re wrapping their gloves around yet another region before Dana White and the UFC. With a middleweight title clash, a rising star like Dakota Ditcheva, and African fighters ready to grab the spotlight, they’re diving in.

However, while the PFL takes its first step onto African soil, Dana White remains planted in the throne room of combat sports, and he’s not letting go without a fight!

White fires off shots at competitors at Adin Ross’s event

At streamer and internet personality Adin Ross’s influencer-led combat sports showcase recently, UFC boss Dana White didn’t just show up; he took over. And with every word, he reminded the world who still runs the fight game. The Bossman took over the commentary booth with UFC COO Hunter Campbell and fired off by stating, “You’ve got the place packed, half a million livestream viewers, Drake hitting you up… I think you’re doing okay. That’s more than every other one of our f—– competitors got going on. You’ve got more s— happening here than they do.”

Beside him, Campbell didn’t miss a beat as he chimed in by adding, “That’s a factual statement. You’ve got more viewers than anyone trying to compete with the UFC.” This wasn’t just banter, it was a warning shot. A jab aimed directly at leagues like PFL and BKFC, who’ve been jostling for relevance while the UFC continues stacking sold-out arenas and million-dollar gates. Sure, the PFL is making waves with international launches. But White’s saying those waves still crash below UFC’s tidal pull.

So what makes this burn sting even deeper? UFC 314 reportedly pulled in 1.2 million pay-per-view buys. Meanwhile, most competitor cards struggle to touch 300,000 views, if that. In contrast, Ross’s influencer circus, blending YouTuber chaos and celebrity hype, eclipsed those numbers by a wide margin.

The PFL has the spotlight in Africa. The UFC has the global spotlight, for now. But the fight isn’t just in the cage anymore. It’s on screens, in new regions, and in the hearts of fans waiting to see who will really bring the future of MMA. Do you think the PFL has what it takes to challenge Dana White’s empire? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!