Nkosi Ndebele Earns Split Decision To Reach Bantamweight Final

Nkosi Ndebele won six of seven fights before engaging in a trilogy with Jose Torres, winning two out of the three fights. Ndebele is a former regional bantamweight champion and a striking specialist. Ndebele enters tonight off his victory over Mahmoud Atef to reach tonight’s semifinals.

Simbarashe Hokonya is a UMF Johannesburg product who made his pro MMA debut in 2022. Since then, he is 6-0 with one finish to his name. Hokonya has had arguably the biggest upset in PFL Africa so far this year, defeating Frans Mlambo in their opening-round matchup this past summer.

Who will advance to face Karim Henniene in the Bantamweight Final of PFL Africa’s inaugural tournament?

Round 1

A low kick from Hokonya puts Ndebele right down. Ndebele scrambles back to his feet and we have a clinch battle. Low kick by Hokonya. Uppercut to the body by Hokonya. A couple of kicks by Hokonya. Low kick by Hokonya. Front kick to the body by Ndebele. Wild overhand right by Hokonya, and Ndebele manages to get the clinch in. The two walk along the fence. Hokonya is warned for grabbing the opponent’s shorts. They spin out of the clinch. Low kick by Ndebele. Left hand by Ndebele. Low kick and a right hand by Hokonya. Low kick by Hokonya.

Ndebele pushes Hokonya back with a fake flying knee. Jab to the ribs by Hokonya. Ndebele fires back. Ndebele backs Hokonya up into a trip. Ndebele is now dancing on the outside as Hokonya presses him into the fence. They separate with just over a minute left. Ndebele misses a one-two. Low kick by Hokonya. A right hand and a left by Hokonya pressing Ndebele backwards. Ndebele presses Hokonya into the fence. Hokonya tries a throw, but they both fall down briefly.

Round 2

Ndebele flashing the jab. Low kick by Hokonya. Right hand by Ndebele but he misses a high kick. Brief pause for what appears to have been an eye poke. Low sidekicks from Ndebele on the fight starting back up. More kicks from Ndebele. Low kick from Hokonya. Both land straights. Low kick by Hokonya. Hokonya presses Ndebele into the fence. Left hand by Ndebele. One-two by Ndebele. Low kicks from both men.

Hokonya shoots in for a takedown, and it results in a clinch battle against the fence. Ndebele gets the trip, and he’s on top in Hokonya’s guard. Hokonya lands shots to the ribs from his back. Ndebele gets around the guard. Hokonya gives up his back, and Ndebele hops right on it. Hokonya gets up to his feet, but Ndebele is up with him in the backpack position. Ndebele is threatening the rear-naked choke. He looks under the chin. Hokonya fights the hands. Hokonya gets out of it, but Ndebele is keeping him locked in with a figure-four on the body. Shots on the back by Hokonya. The round ends with Hokonya still in Ndebele’s grasp.

Round 3

Ndebele on the outside. Kicks from both men in the early stage of this round here. Hokonya on the front foot, but Ndebele lands a couple of low kicks. Hokonya with a body kick. Hokonya with a right hand to the body, trying to chase him down. Low kick by Hokonya. Right hand by Hokonya. Clash of low kicks. Low kick by Hokonya. Knee lands for Hokonya as he catches Ndebele coming in.

Ndebele misses a knee. Round kick by Hokonya. Low kick by Hokonya. Right hand by Ndebele. Right hand by Hokonya. Ndebele with a left and a right. No one seems to be taking total control in this one right now. Low kick from Ndebele. A couple of hooks from Hokonya. Body shot by Hokonya and he presses Ndebele into the fence. Ndebele gets a takedown and Hokonya scrambles to his feet. The bell sounds and this one goes to the judges.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Nkosi Ndebele def. Simbarashe Hokonya via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2) in a Bantamweight Semifinal Bout.