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Juliet Ukah is making history as Africa’s first female fighter signed by the Professional Fighters League, also known as the PFL. She will be featured in the PFL’s first African event in Cape Town, South Africa. At only 26 years old, she is not just a fighter in the cage but also a serving police corporal in Nigeria. Ukah’s journey into mixed martial arts began unexpectedly in April 2023 when she stepped in as a replacement fighter in Cameroon. Since then, she has remained unbeaten in six professional bouts and earned her first knockout victory in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Inspired by Olympic champion and former police officer Chioma Ajunwa, Ukah sees both law enforcement and combat sports as platforms to create impact. She balances both demanding careers with strength, discipline, and passion. Now preparing to face South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr in a strawweight bout, Ukah is eager to prove herself on a bigger stage. PFL Africa is part of a wider global expansion by the U.S.-based MMA league. With tournaments also in Europe and the Middle East, PFL Africa aims to spotlight talent from across the continent. MMA legend Francis Ngannou, a former UFC champion from Cameroon, now serves as chairman of PFL Africa. For Ukah, this moment is more than just a fight. It is a statement of arrival and a symbol of possibility for other African fighters especially women. As she puts it, “There is something they see in me that made them call me into the team.” Her success so far has inspired many and her participation in the first PFL Africa event marks a major milestone for combat sports in Nigeria and the continent as a whole.
Beyond her unbeaten record, Juliet Ukah sees her growing career in MMA as a way to uplift women across Africa. She has competed in taekwondo, kickboxing, and boxing, and now uses her role as a fighter to advocate for women’s empowerment through self-defence and discipline. Working as a corporal at the Nigeria Police College in Lagos, Ukah says both of her roles help her build strength, self-control, and mental toughness. According to her, these qualities help her perform better at her job and inside the cage. She believes that combat sports have taught her valuable lessons that help her succeed in all areas of life. As part of the PFL’s first fight week in Africa, she will join UK star Dakota Ditcheva in leading a striking workshop for women to introduce them to martial arts and self-defence skills. This aligns with Ukah’s vision of owning a gym and helping women realize their power through training. Ukah also spoke about how the arrival of PFL Africa will be a game changer for many fighters on the continent. She pointed out that African athletes often face serious challenges including lack of funding, poor training facilities, and limited exposure. But now, PFL’s tournament-style structure gives fighters a professional pathway to grow and compete internationally. With 24 fighters from 14 African countries set to compete in the inaugural PFL Africa tournament, the spotlight is finally turning to African talent. Juliet Ukah’s participation stands out not only because of her police background but also because of what she represents: resilience, determination, and the rise of African women in global sports. She says, “I believe with my ability I can inspire young women to do more than they expected.” And with every fight, she’s proving exactly that.
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