Don Madge praises PFL Africa's debut as a game-changer for South African MMA
Don Madge, right, with his gym partner Mattew Leisching.
Image: Supplied
For the first time ever, a major international MMA promotion hit South African shores as Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa made its debut at Cape Town’s GrandWest Arena, a fortnight ago and in Johannesburg, at the weekend. This marks a significant milestone for the South African MMA scene, opening up a world of opportunity for local fighters. And who better to speak on the importance of such a moment than Cape Town’s very own martial arts icon, Don Madge?
Known as "The Magic Man," Madge spent part of his professional career under the PFL banner after a run in the UFC, where he remained undefeated. For him, the arrival of PFL Africa is nothing short of monumental, sending a strong message about just how far African MMA has come.
“It opens up an incredible opportunity for local fighters to compete and shine on the world stage,” said Madge.
Madge hung up his gloves about a year ago after going 2-2 in the promotion where he competed in the welterweight division. His PFL debut came in 2021, where he secured a second-round submission victory, an unforgettable entrance into the promotion, building on his already impressive 2-0 UFC record.
“The PFL environment is one of the most professional I’ve experienced. The staff go above and beyond to support the athletes, from ensuring every logistical detail is covered to providing media exposure that helps build our brands. There’s a real sense of care and respect for the fighters that sets PFL apart,” Madge said.
The Cape Town event was a major success, judging by the energy in the crowd and the buzz it created, exactly what the promotion needs to build momentum across the continent. According to Madge, the impact of PFL’s presence in Africa is enormous.
“This is a level of exposure and opportunity we’ve never had before on the continent. PFL Africa will provide a professional platform for fighters to compete under a global brand, and that’s going to elevate the entire scene—from athletes and coaches to gyms and fans.”
He added, “We’ve already seen how successful PFL Europe has been, and I see PFL Africa following a similar model: developing top regional talent and feeding them into the global league.”
There’s no doubt that South Africa, and Africa as a whole, has a deep pool of talented fighters. All they’ve needed is a platform. With PFL Africa, that stage has finally arrived.