From Police Force to Fight Cage: Nigerian Sparks African MMA Revolution

Juliet Ukah is a woman who thrives under pressure and embraces challenges most would shy away from.

A dynamic presence both in and out of the ring, the 26-year-old Nigerian police corporal is also a rising star in the world of combat sports.

From taekwondo and boxing to kickboxing, Ukah has carved out a formidable reputation, and now she’s set to make history in mixed martial arts (MMA).

On Saturday, Ukah will be part of a landmark moment for African MMA as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) hosts its inaugural African event in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sharing the spotlight with elite names like 2024 European flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva and Bellator middleweight titleholder Johnny Eblen, Ukah is the first African woman signed to the PFL, a milestone that fills her with pride.

“I feel like a queen,” Ukah told BBC Sport Africa, reflecting on her trailblazing role. “There’s something they see in me that made them want me on the team.”

Her journey into MMA began only recently, in 2023, when she stepped in as a last-minute replacement at a fight event in Cameroon.

That unexpected call came from Henry George, now president of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

Since then, Ukah has won all six of her professional bouts, including her first knockout in the Democratic Republic of Congo just months after her debut.

This weekend, she faces South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr in a strawweight clash at Cape Town’s Grand Arena.

Though the local crowd will be backing her opponent, Ukah remains unfazed.

“She’s a tough fighter with a strong record,” Ukah acknowledged.

“But I use the energy of the crowd, even if they’re not mine—to fuel my performance.”

Her unbeaten streak isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a symbol of possibility for female fighters across the continent.

George sees Ukah’s rise as a defining moment in Nigeria’s MMA evolution.

“This is huge for us,” he said. “Juliet’s debut on the PFL stage validates her talent, honors her sacrifices, and proves she belongs among the best.

“It also opens doors for other fighters from Nigeria to dream big.”

Breaking Ground in Africa’s Combat Sports Scene

Founded in the United States in 2017, the Professional Fighters League has rapidly expanded, with competitive circuits in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

The Africa league is its newest chapter, spearheaded by Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and now PFL Africa’s chairman.

The league operates on a unique season format, allowing fighters to compete through a structured regular season, playoffs, and championship, rather than relying on matchmaking alone.

Loren Mack, the PFL’s senior vice president, emphasized the significance of this initiative.

“The scale and investment in African combat sports that PFL Africa represents is unprecedented,” Mack said.

“It gives fighters the opportunity to train, compete, and thrive on home soil.”

Ukah, who once drew inspiration from Chioma Ajunwa, the long jumper and police officer who won Nigeria’s first Olympic gold, hopes her story will inspire other African women to pursue MMA, not only as a sport but as a source of empowerment.

“I got into combat sports because of how women are often treated and unheard in society,” Ukah said.

“Now, I use my platform to show women they can learn self-defense, find their strength, and stand tall.”

Balancing Two Tough Careers

Ukah doesn’t just punch her way through opponents in the ring, she also serves her country every day as a member of the Nigeria Police Force.

She admits juggling both careers is physically and mentally demanding but believes they complement each other.

“My MMA training gives me discipline, sharpens my self-control, and makes me smarter in my job,” she said.

“Both roles demand strength and resilience, and I’m thankful I’ve been able to manage them.”

During fight week in Cape Town, Ukah will team up with Manchester’s unbeaten star Dakota Ditcheva to host a women’s striking workshop.

The PFL is using the event to spotlight women’s empowerment through sport, calling both fighters “the pinnacle of women’s MMA.”

Looking ahead, Ukah has plans beyond her own fighting career.

She dreams of opening a gym and dedicating her life to training the next generation, especially young women.

“With my ability and passion, I know I can inspire women to achieve more than they thought possible,” she said.

“I want to be the reason a girl believes she can fight, defend herself, and succeed.”

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