Shannon Van Tonder made his MMA debut in 2021, entering tonight with a 7-2 record to his name. Van Tonder is a grappling specialist who has five submission victories, all coming via choke. He’s won three of his last four, including a decision over Musa Sethwape in December.

 

Boule Godogo is 3-0 so far but will be returning to action for the first time in three years. Godogo turned pro in 2021 after racking up a 5-1 amateur record. Godogo’s last fight came in April 2022, scoring a technical decision over Robert Simbowe – the first time Godogo went to the cards as a pro.

 

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

 

 

Round 1

 

Van Tonder on the outside, throwing kicks, but Godogo grabs him and lands a big slam. Van Tonder gets his guard up right away. Van Tonder searching for a triangle, and he might have it. Godogo trying to break the posture. Van Tonder might be looking for an armbar, too. He might have that now. Godogo with good defense, however, and he escapes. Godogo remains in guard, trying to control the action.

 

Van Tonder might be searching for another submission. Strong elbow from Godogo. Van Tonder landing small shots on the inside. Referee calls for more activity. Gogogo throws and lands a small flurry. Godogo with a couple of small hammerfists. Small shots from the two men as Van Tonder tries to climb guard. Godogo with a right hand before the horn.

 

 

Round 2

 

Van Tonder with a leg kick. Body kick by Van Tonder. Godogo with another takedown, but Van Tonder grabs the neck! Guillotine! It’s tight! Godogo fights it…and he escapes somehow! Van Tonder gets on top of him, however, into three-quarter mount. A few left hands from up top by Van Tonder. Godogo tries to escape, but Van Tonder stays on him and gets to his back. Van Tonder has a hook in. Van Tonder appears to be cranking. Van Tonder might have a second hook in now trying to flatten Godogo out.

 

Van Tonder has a body triangle now. Van Tonder is squeezing but he doesn’t have the full choke. Van Tonder trying to make adjustments, but Godogo defending well, trying to fight the hands. Godogo escapes and works his way on top now, landing a flurry of ground-and-pound. Right hand from Godogo. Van Tonder looking to get his guard back up. Right hand again from Godogo. Series of left hands from Godogo. Van Tonder wrestles to the top now.

 

 

Round 3

 

Van Tonder misses a body kick. Gogogo lands a left that stumbles Van Tonder! Godogo with a flurry, but Van Tonder is staying up! Van Tonder threatens a guillotine! Godogo escapes! Godogo with a couple of left hands. Van Tonder with a leg kick. Combination from Van Tonder. Left hand by Godogo. One-two by Godogo. Left jab by Godogo as Van Tonder lands a leg kick. Godogo with a takedown, easily avoiding a guillotine attempt. Godogo landing a series of shots to the body of Van Tonder. Van Tonder with a couple of elbows from the bottom.

 

 

Referee warns the fighters for more activity as the two trade weak ground strikes with about two minutes to go. Van Tonder looks for a kimura but isn’t going to get anything with Godogo’s defense. Godogo lands a pair of elbows to the body. Godogo finishes the round on top in Van Tonder’s guard.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Boule Godogo def. Shannon van Tonder via split decision (30-26, 28-29, 29-27)