Shido Boris Esperança (13-2) defeated Peace Nguphane (9-4) by technical knockout (strikes) at 1:03 in the first round. This fight took place as part of the PFL Africa semi-finals in Casablanca.
South Africa's hopes for the inclusion of the PFL Africa middleweight champion in 2026 were undermined by this loss. The PFL Africa tournament continues to offer rising African MMA stars the opportunity to compete for a large prize fund of $100,000 USD (approximately 1.7 million rands), and also opens doors to further opportunities in the global league.
The promoter arrived in Morocco this weekend, marking the first PFL Africa event in North Africa. This was the third event of the 2026 season, following fights in Pretoria (South Africa) and Lagos (Nigeria).
Casablanca Event Results
The event, held at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, provided a clearer picture of what spectators can expect at the final in Rwanda in December. Esperança once again secured his spot in the final stage of the season, becoming the first and only two-time PFL Africa finalist after stopping Nguphane with ground strikes just 1 minute and 3 seconds into the first round of the semi-final.
Last year, Esperança reached the PFL Africa middleweight final in 2025, where he lost to the future tournament champion Yabna N’Tchala. Later, N’Tchala suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Nguphane, who debuted in PFL Africa in Pretoria earlier this season.
Now, Esperança will face the dangerous Russian-Nigerian David Samuel (7-0) in the final. Samuel earned his spot in Rwanda by defeating Rivaldo Pereira (4-3) from Guinea-Bissau, based in Luxembourg, by unanimous decision on Saturday evening.
In the main heavyweight bout (265 lbs), Senegalese Abdoulaye Kane (6-2) fought against Moroccan Badr “Dastan” Medkouri (9-4) in front of Medkouri's home crowd. Kane applied early pressure with heavy kicks, controlled the first round, and continued the attack on the ground. The Senegalese fighter landed a series of strikes and elbows from full mount to secure a first-round technical knockout victory.
In the co-main featherweight bout (145 lbs), Moroccan Taha Bendaoud (5-3) faced Algerian Yanis Ghemmouri (14-4). Both athletes exchanged kicks and attempted takedowns early in the fight. However, sharp counter-strikes and superior top control from Ghemmouri proved decisive, earning him a unanimous decision victory.
In the lightweight semi-finals (155 lbs), two Nigerians clashed. Patrick Ocheme (10-1) won by technical knockout via body punch at 2:46 of the first round against Cornel Thompson (12-4). In another semi-final, Demba Seck (11-3, 1 NC) faced undefeated Hussain Al Kurdi (3-0, 1 NC). The fight ended without a winner after a accidental groin strike just 37 seconds into the first round, with Seck advancing to the tournament final against Ocheme.
In the welterweight semi-finals (135 lbs), Liberian Dwight Joseph (17-3) defeated Boule Godogo (5-3) by split decision, securing his place in the PFL Africa Finals, where he will meet Raphael Uchegbu (11-2). Uchegbu advanced to the final because his scheduled opponent failed to make weight and could not compete.
The next stop for PFL Africa is the 2026 Finals in Kigali, Rwanda, in December, where the continent's best fighters will battle for tournament glory and a chance to take their careers to the next level.
PFL Africa Results: Casablanca
In the main heavyweight bout (265 lbs), Abdoulaye Kane (6-2) defeated Badr “Dastan” Medkouri (9-4) by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:06 of the first round.
Co-main Featherweight Bout (145 lbs):
Yanis Ghemmouri (14-4) defeated Taha Bendaoud (5-3) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Lightweight Semi-finals (155 lbs):
Patrick Ocheme (10-1) defeated Cornel Thompson (12-4) by knockout (body punch) at 2:46 of the first round. David Samuel (7-0) defeated Rivaldo Pereira (4-3) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Middleweight Bout (170 lbs):
Mouhamed Ba (4-1) defeated Yabna N’Tchala (14-4-1) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
In the welterweight bout (135 lbs), Reda Abdellaoui (5-0) defeated Salim Mhamdi (2-2) by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:11 of the first round.
Welterweight Semi-finals (135 lbs):
Dwight Joseph (17-3) defeated Boule Godogo (5-3) by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).
Lightweight Semi-finals (155 lbs):
Hussain Al Kurdi (3-0, 1 NC) vs Demba Seck (11-3, 1 NC) ended without a winner due to a groin strike at 0:37 of the first round.
Weight Class Bout (132 lbs):
Jane Osigwe (6-4) defeated Sanaa Mandar (3-3) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27).
In the lightweight bout (155 lbs), Abderrahman Errachidy (6-2) defeated Oussama El Idrissi (3-1) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).