Abraham Bably began MMA training in 2017, going on to earn a 4-0 amateur record, including an amateur title. A former soccer player, Bably defeated Louie Sutherland in a showcase bout during the 2022 playoffs before a first-round stoppage that earned him a PFL contract on the PFL Challenger Series. He’d win his next two, including a win at the Bellator Champions Series event in Belfast; however, Bably enters this fight off split decision losses to Slim Trabelsi in November and Rodrigo Nascimento in May

 

Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze, also an ex-soccer player, was born in the Ivory Coast before relocating with his family to France. Known for his mindset from his upbringing, as well as his violent striking, Gnaze is a former regional heavyweight champion who has won six of his last eight. He comes into this bout off a loss to Adama Diop in March.

 

Which of these two will be the first to advance in the inaugural PFL Africa heavyweight tournament?

 

 

Round 1

 

One-two from Bably, followed by a right hand. Some circling for the two, with Gnaze on the front foot. Bably catches Gnaze with a right hand as he comes in – small head collision. Gnaze with an underhook position as he presses Bably against the SmartCage. Strong elbow from Gnaze. Left hand from Bably after getting off the fence. Right hand from Bably, pressing Gnaze into the fence – only for Gnaze to reverse position.

 

Bably works off the fence and comes forward, only to get hit with a one-two. Gnaze with another body lock. Strong uppercut from Gnaze. A right hand over the top rocks Gnaze! And we’re back to the fence. Strong elbow hurt Gnaze. Right and a left from Bably. Back to the center. Another right hand from Bably. Low kick from Bably as Gnaze brings him back to the fence. Big exchange from the two, swinging away briefly before Bably brings the fight back to the fence. Bably scores a takedown and lands a series of elbows and ground-and-pound fists. Gnaze sits up, but Bably’s still on top of him. Bably lands a series of left hands. More ground-and-pound as Gnaze tries to get back to his feet. He does so, however, Bably lands a series of left hands. More swinging from Bably! A right hand rocks and drops Gnaze out cold with one second left in the round!!!

 

 

 

 

Abraham Bably is “The One and Only” to score the first knockout in PFL Africa history! And he’s moving on to the semifinals!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Abraham Bably defeats Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze by 1st round KO (4:59) in the PFL Africa Heavyweight (265) Tournament. Bably will face the winner of Abdoulaye Kane vs. Joffie Houlton in the Semifinals.

  • Bably moves his career record to 6-2

  • Bably gets his 4th career knockout (4 of 6 wins by KO)

  • Bably fights out of London, England and is representing the Ivory Coast in PFL Africa

  • Bably was a 2023 PFL Challenger Series Contract Winner