The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has confirmed a middleweight world title rematch between reigning champion Costello van Steenis and top-ranked contender Johnny Eblen. The bout is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, as part of the PFL Austin event.

The main card will air live on ESPN2 in the United States starting at 8 p.m. ET, while preliminary bouts will begin at 5 p.m. ET through the ESPN app. Organizers also confirmed that additional fights will be announced leading up to the event, with ticket pre-sales currently available.

PFL CEO John Martin described the matchup as one of the most anticipated rematches in the promotion’s middleweight division. He noted that the first encounter between the two fighters ended in dramatic fashion, leaving both athletes with unresolved stakes heading into the rematch.

First fight sets stage

Costello van Steenis and Johnny Eblen first met in July 2025 during the inaugural PFL Middleweight World Championship bout. The contest became one of the most dramatic finishes in recent MMA history due to its late conclusion in the final round.

Eblen controlled most of the fight and was seconds away from victory before van Steenis secured a rear-naked choke in the closing moments of the fifth round. The submission win handed Eblen his first professional defeat and crowned van Steenis as champion.

The result sparked debate within the MMA community, with discussions focusing on the late turnaround that decided the championship. The outcome ultimately set the stage for an immediate rematch between the two fighters.

Championship momentum shift

Van Steenis returned to competition to defend his title against Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid. He delivered a strong performance, winning by third-round TKO and reinforcing his position at the top of the middleweight division.

Following that victory, van Steenis stated that he wanted the rematch with Eblen to settle lingering questions about their first fight. He emphasized that the upcoming bout would serve as proof of his status as the division’s best fighter.

Eblen also responded with a statement performance in his return fight at PFL Pittsburgh. He defeated UFC veteran Bryan Battle via first-round rear-naked choke, reestablishing himself as the top contender.

After the win, Eblen made his intentions clear regarding the rematch. He expressed confidence in reclaiming the title and emphasized his desire for redemption against van Steenis.

Validation versus redemption

The rematch is framed as a defining moment for both fighters and the division. Van Steenis enters the bout seeking validation of his championship reign and confirmation that his first victory was decisive.

Eblen enters the fight pursuing redemption and a chance to reclaim the title he lost in dramatic fashion. Both fighters carry momentum into the matchup after strong rebound victories in their respective returns.

The PFL middleweight division is expected to reach a definitive conclusion when the two meet again on July 18 in Austin, with the championship picture hanging in the balance.