The temperature rose sharply at the Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa as Nigeria’s Juliet Ukah and South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr stepped into the spotlight for an open workout ahead of their historic bout at PFL Cape Town. What was no doubt a declaration of intent from two of Africa’s brightest MMA stars set to make history in the SmartCage.
The highly anticipated match-up on Saturday 19 July 2025 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest will mark the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa. With the event now just weeks away, tensions are building as both fighters prepare to carry the pride of their nations into battle.
Juliet Ukah, composed and laser-focused, delivered a crisp, calculated workout that highlighted her striking superiority.
“I am very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We are representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight. Compared to her, I think I am the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I am comfortable wherever the fight goes. I expect to get the finish, but I do not mind going to a third round if needed.” she said
Despite her calm delivery, Ukah made it clear that she sees this bout as an opportunity to dominate. Her gaze rarely left Niedermayr during their face-off, a subtle but unmistakable signal that she’s coming to Cape Town to win decisively.
On the other side, Ceileigh Niedermayr brought a different energy fiery, confident, and brimming with charisma. Her signature “smiley savagery” persona was on full display, offering fans a taste of the duality she brings to the cage: outward charm paired with deadly technique.
“It’s truly an honour to be part of the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa. This fight camp is not just about preparing for my next opponent, it is a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts. I am always pushing myself to grow, to evolve, and to become the best fighter I can be.” she stated
Niedermayr expressed respect for Ukah, but left no doubt about her own readiness.
“I welcome the chance to test myself against her, but I do not think she is ever faced anyone like me. I am expecting an exciting, high-level battle and I am ready for it.”
The Kinshasa crowd responded with rapt attention as the two women circled one another following their workouts. Though no words were exchanged, the intensity of their face-off spoke volumes. With eyes locked and tension thick in the air, the message was clear: come 19 July, the SmartCage will host a reckoning.
The PFL Cape Town event will also launch the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament with opening round bouts in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions, and will be headlined by a Middleweight World Championship clash between unbeaten champion Johnny “Pressure” Eblen and challenger Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis.
PFL Cape Town begins at 4:30 p.m. SAST with the Africa Tournament, followed by the PFL Champions Series from 8:30 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale via Ticketpro, with broadcast details to be announced soon.
With history at stake and two elite warriors ready to raise the bar, all roads now lead to Cape Town where a new chapter in African MMA will be written in blood, grit, and glory.
By Bakah Derick with reports
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