Africa-Press – Rwanda. Professional Africa League (PFL) Africa General Manager of Elias Schultz has said that Rwanda stood out as the next stop for the PFL Africa semifinals because of its reputation in hosting international events, with world-class infrastructure that meets standards to host Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights of PFL’s caliber.
The BK Arena will be the home of MMA on Saturday night, October 18, as Africa’s finest fighters prepare to join the ring for fierce rivalry in the PFL Africa semifinals.
“Rwanda is quite exceptional in its ability to create an enabling environment; it is friendly to African and non-African, they have facilities, easy access to any type of service one might need, the infrastructure here is remarkable, I can go on and on,” Schultz told journalists during a press conference on Wednesday.
Schultz described Rwanda as the “perfect match” for hosting the event, noting that the decision was easy once they experienced the scale and quality of sports facilities like BK Arena.
He emphasized the emotional and inspirational impact of hosting such a high-level MMA event in the region, saying it has the power to “inspire a whole new generation” of fighters across Africa.
“We’re not just hosting fights, we’re starting a movement, and this is a way of showing hope and accelerating the growth of MMA, particularly in East and West Africa, where interest is rapidly expanding,” he added.
Looking beyond the event, Schultz expressed the league’s commitment to returning to Rwanda, deepening collaboration with local martial arts federations, and eventually seeing more Rwandan and East African fighters on the main card.
“We’re here for the long term, not just to entertain, but to build pathways for young fighters through discipline and resilience values Rwanda is already known for.”
Speaking on audience turnout, Schultz confirmed that thousands of tickets have already been sold, with 80–85% of seats booked just days before the event, explaining that even though Rwanda is a “late-buy market,” but expects a strong last-minute rush.
“The energy is going to be electric, fans need to get the remaining tickets and experience 11 action-packed fights featuring 22 top fighters from across Africa, and you might think you’ll just watch, but you’ll end up cheering, jumping, and feeling the emotion. That’s what MMA does,” he stated.
Rwanda has Opio in the ring!
James Bizimungu Opio is the only Rwandan fighter who was selected for the PFL Africa semifinals. He will face Isaac Omeda in the featherweight 145 category.
Opio expressed deep pride in seeing such a major martial arts event come to Rwanda for the first time.
He emphasized the power of visibility, saying that young Rwandans who once watched martial arts only on TVs now have the chance to witness it live right in their own country.
“Growing up, we had to look far to see this kind of sport. Now it’s happening next door. That changes everything, and it is not even about martial arts alone; there is also the economic ripple effect because most fighters came to Rwanda, and they are using Rwandan francs, the country is truly benefiting,” Opio said.
Opio also shared a message to Rwandan martial artists aspiring to become fighters.
“Start with what you know. Keep training, stay disciplined. Someone who knows more will find you and lift you higher, but only if you’re already doing the work.”
One big fighter to watch during the PFL Africa semifinals is Abdoul Razac Sankara, better known by his fight name “Sankariste” who also established himself as one of the most promising contenders heading into the Kigali fight.
After a stunning first-round knockout in South Africa, where he dismantled his opponent in just 2 minutes and 2 seconds shared that he is excited about being in Rwanda while also praising how clean Rwanda is.
“I am getting ready for the fight, but I cannot share my tactics because if I tell you everything now, will people still come to watch? It has to be a surprise. I am here to put up a show and represent my country, but I am also impressed with how clean Rwanda is so far,” he said.
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