PFL Madrid: Fabian Edwards set to challenge Costello van Steenis for the middleweight crown
Britain’s Fabian Edwards will go head-to-head with Costello van Steenis in Madrid on March 20 for the PFL middleweight title.
Edwards, 32, earned the PFL middleweight tournament crown last August by knocking out Dalton Rosta, clinching a $500,000 prize (roughly £369,000).
This bout represents Edwards’ third shot at a world title, following losses while pursuing Bellator middleweight gold to Johnny Eblen in both 2023 and 2024.
Van Steenis, a Dutch fighter competing under the Spain banner, claimed the championship by submitting Eblen just seven seconds before the final bell in July.
Saturday’s fight will be the 33-year-old van Steenis’ inaugural title defense since the championship was rebranded as the PFL world title after PFL’s acquisition of Bellator in 2023.
Both competitors arrive in Madrid on three-fight winning streaks. Van Steenis has a 17-3 record in 20 pro bouts, while Edwards has won 16 of his 20 pro appearances.
The Madrid event at Palacio Vistalegre marks the first time a major global MMA promotion has staged a show in Spain.
“Costello van Steenis capped a fairy-t tale run in Cape Town with one of the sport’s most memorable comebacks, and now he travels to Madrid carrying Spain’s flag on one shoulder and the world title on the other,” said PFL chief John Martin.
“Edwards is riding a powerful momentum as well, highlighted by his stunning victory to capture the PFL tournament title. With these two atop the card, we’re set to deliver a memorable night.”
Would you rather this matchup be aired as a co-main event with additional marquee bouts, or should the focus stay strictly on the two title contenders for maximum impact?
