PFL Africa stars Juliet Ukah and Ceileigh Niedermayr train in front of fans at open workout

As the countdown continues to the start of the inaugural season of PFL Africa on July 19, Professional Fighters League stars Juliet Ukah from Nigeria and Ceileigh Niedermayr from South Africa took part in an open workout on Wednesday. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 June 2025
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PFL Africa stars Juliet Ukah and Ceileigh Niedermayr train in front of fans at open workout

  • Fighters showcase their skills during public training session ahead of their bout at the opening event of the inaugural PFL Africa season on July 19 in Cape Town
  • ‘We’re going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight,’ Ukah says

KINSHASA: As the countdown continues to the start of the inaugural season of PFL Africa on July 19, Professional Fighters League stars Juliet Ukah from Nigeria and Ceileigh Niedermayr from South Africa took part in an open workout on Wednesday.

The fighters, who will face off in a Showcase Women’s Strawweight Bout during the PFL Africa opener at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town next month, showcased their skills for fans and media at the public training session, which took place at the Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“I’m very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one,” said Ukah. “We’re going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight.

“Compared to her, I think I’m the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I’m comfortable wherever the fight goes.”

She added that expects to get the finish but would not mind if the fight went to a third round if needed.

Niedermayr said: “It’s truly an honor to be part of the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa. This fight camp isn’t just about preparing for my next opponent, it’s a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts.

“On fight night, I’m bringing a new level of ‘Smiley Savagery’ to the SmartCage,” she added, referring to her professional nickname. “I have a lot of respect for Juliet as a fighter and I welcome the chance to test myself against her.”

She said she has never faced anyone like Ukah and expects an “exciting, high-level battle and I’m ready for it.”

The historic PFL Cape Town event will mark the start of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament and feature first-round matchups in the heavyweight and bantamweight divisions.

The headline bouts include five must-see PFL Champions Series clashes, including a Middleweight World Championship main event in which titleholder Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (with a record of 16-0) will take on challenger Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3). Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro.


Leeds survive Birmingham scare to reach FA Cup fifth round

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Leeds survive Birmingham scare to reach FA Cup fifth round

  • Wolves also avoided an upset as they won 1-0 at fourth-division Grimsby

LONDON: Leeds survived an FA Cup scare to reach the fifth round with a penalty shoot-out victory against second-tier Birmingham on Sunday.

Birmingham substitute Patrick Roberts snatched an 89th-minute equalizer at St. Andrew’s to cancel out Lukas Nmecha’s 49th-minute opener for Leeds.

With a feisty fourth round tie level at 1-1 after extra-time, Leeds won the shoot-out 4-2.

Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff all converted their penalties for Daniel Farke’s team.

Tommy Doyle’s effort was saved by Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri before Roberts fired over the crossbar.

Battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Leeds are one win away from reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.

Wolves also avoided an upset as they won 1-0 at fourth-division Grimsby.

Grimsby stunned Manchester United in the League Cup earlier this season.

But Wolves avoided similar embarrassment thanks to Santiago Bueno’s 60th-minute goal from the visitors’ first shot on target on a mud-caked pitch at Blundell Park.

Grimsby did not manage to force Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone into a save until Andy Cook’s header in the 90th minute.

It was Wolves’ first away win since beating Manchester United in April.

Mired in a miserable season that has left them bottom of the Premier League and almost certain to be relegated, Rob Edwards’ side can still salvage some pride in the FA Cup.

Fulham came from behind to win 2-1 at second tier Stoke.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva made 10 changes from their midweek defeat at Manchester City and nearly paid for the gamble.

South Korean midfielder Bae Jun-ho capped a fine move to put Stoke ahead after 19 minutes.

But Brazilian winger Kevin got his reward for an impressive performance in the 55th minute, sending a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

Harrison Reed completed Fulham’s escape act in the 84th minute, intercepting a poor pass from Stoke keeper Tommy Simkin and slotting home.

Sunderland reached the fifth round for the first time since 2015 as Habib Diarra’s controversial penalty clinched a 1-0 win at second tier Oxford.

Regis Le Bris’ side went in front after 32 minutes when Dennis Cirkin tumbled under Christ Makosso’s challenge.

Referee Thomas Kirk pointed to the spot despite Oxford’s protests and Diarra rubbed salt into their wounds as he calmly converted the penalty.