Hometown hero Asiashu Tshitamba ready for PFL Africa Battle

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns this Friday at SunBet Arena Time Square for the season 2 opening show of PFL Africa. 

While the fight card features mouthwatering international clashes, the bantamweight brawl between Tshitamba (6-5) and van Tonder (7-3) is the only all-South African showcase set to take place on the night. 

For Tshitamba, this is more than just a fight; it’s a homecoming.

“I actually work just across the street from the SunBet Arena so it is an added benefit for me.

“I can have my colleagues, my family and my friends all come and see me fight, so it’s extra motivation,” said Tshitamba during the pre-fight press conference. 

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The matchup presents a classic tactical puzzle – Tshitamba’s explosive striking style against van Tonder’s relentless grappling. 

However, Tshitamba remains unfazed by his opponent’s specialist threat.

“Shanon is a grappler; we all know that. We are expecting him to try and take me down and at the end of the day, this is mixed martial arts. If he decides to stand and box, we’re going to give him that. If he decides to go to the ground, we are ready for that as well.”

There is mutual respect between the fighters and Tshitamba says this fight is ‘strictly business’ as he attempts to get back to winning ways and work his way up the African MMA mountain. 

“I’m not here by mistake, the PFL definitely saw something in me. I envisioned a certain goal for myself and I’m definitely going to get there one way or the other."