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Van Steenis and Eblen: The Explosive Showdown Redefining the PFL
PFL

Published 49 days ago

Van Steenis and Eblen: The Explosive Showdown Redefining the PFL

The Van Steenis vs Eblen showdown, billed as the biggest fight in PFL history, promises an electric spectacle after an explosive rivalry and van Steenis’ first win by submission.

To remember:

  • Costello van Steenis handed Johnny Eblen his first career loss in July 2025 via submission.
  • Their rematch, initially postponed due to injury, is called the "biggest fight" in PFL history by CEO John Martin.
  • An explosive altercation erupted after Eblen’s victory over Impa Kasanganay, marking a turning point in their rivalry.
  • CEO John Martin describes the incident as "absolute chaos", highlighting the intensity of this feud.
  • This heated rivalry, fueled by tense exchanges and a desire for revenge, promises a spectacular clash in the cage.

On July 24, 2025, Costello van Steenis made history in the Professional Fighters League by handing Johnny Eblen his first career loss, via submission late in the fight. A year later, their rematch—initially scheduled before being postponed due to injury—looms as the most explosive fight in PFL history. CEO John Martin doesn’t hesitate to call it the "biggest fight" the promotion has ever staged.


Tensions between the two men reached a boiling point after Eblen’s victory over Impa Kasanganay. Van Steenis, who wasn’t even on the card, stormed into the cage, sparking a brawl that left a lasting impression. "It was absolute chaos", Martin admits, recalling the scene. This rivalry goes beyond sports: the two fighters harbor genuine animosity, fueled by heated exchanges and a fierce desire for payback.


Martin emphasizes that this level of bad blood, rare in modern MMA, promises an electric spectacle when the fight finally happens. Van Steenis vs Eblen isn’t just about a title or prestige—it’s a personal war, where every strike lands like an answer to months of provocation. Fans, eager and buzzing, await this clash with palpable excitement, knowing they might witness one of the most intense fights of the decade.

Between personal rivalry and high stakes, Van Steenis vs Eblen stands as the must-see fight in PFL. The post-fight altercation and van Steenis’ first victory have already written the opening chapters of a legendary story, ready to unfold in the cage.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Damn, this screams Die Hard meets MMA! Van Steenis rolling in like a leather-jacketed action hero, Eblen playing Batman in pajamas—the script writes itself. John Martin calling it the "biggest fight"? Okay, fine, unless you’ve seen The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan in 1992, we won’t hold it against him. But let’s be real: when two guys are throwing death stares before the fight, it’s always more fun than striking stats. As long as it stays clean, because if Van Steenis pulls a Jurassic Park and Eblen counters with a Titanic, we’re getting a Fight Club remake, PFL edition. Let’s see if this goes beyond "two guys who hate each other" or if it’s just an ad for concussion helmets.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

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