Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroonian heavyweight Maxwell Nana Djantou will step into the cage this week at the PFL Africa semifinals in Kigali with more than victory on his mind. The 25-year martial arts veteran wants to prove that Cameroon is the heartbeat of African MMA, carrying both national pride and a legacy for the continent’s next generation of fighters.
Djantou, who began training in martial arts at just nine years old, comes off a decision win in Cape Town, South Africa, and insists that the result matters more than the highlight reel.
“It’s about victory first. When it comes by knockout, that’s a plus,” he said. “I was gentle during the fight, but this time, I’ve worked on certain things. You’ll see.”
Known for his calm confidence, Djantou also runs training camps for young athletes back home, emphasizing continuity in a sport that is still emerging across Africa. His mantra, “sweat saves blood,” reflects a disciplined approach that goes beyond the cage.
“Cameroon is the powerhouse of MMA in Africa. We have the big guys like Francis Ngannou — and myself, of course,” he said.
Djantou will face South Africa’s Justin Clarke in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The PFL Africa semifinals feature 11 fights with 22 fighters from across the continent, including five Cameroonians — Djantou, Octave Ayinda, Emilios Dassi, Alain Majorique, and Emmanuel Mukam. Winners will advance to the finals in Benin this December, where the first-ever PFL Africa champions across four weight divisions will be crowned.
PFL Africa chairman and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will be in Kigali to witness the event, which marks the biggest MMA competition ever staged in East Africa and underscores Rwanda’s rising reputation as a hub for world-class sport and entertainment.
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