The Professional Fighters League has reshaped the top of its PFL Austin lineup after an injury forced reigning champion Costello van Steenis out of action. As a result, Johnny “Pressure” Eblen and Impa “Tshilobo” Kasanganay will now battle for the Interim PFL Middleweight World Championship on July 18 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

The championship clash will serve as the first interim world title fight in PFL history. The winner will place himself firmly in position at the top of the middleweight division while adding a major achievement to his professional résumé.

Eblen enters PFL Austin looking to continue his return to championship form. The former Bellator middleweight champion rebounded from his title defeat against van Steenis by securing a dominant first-round submission victory over Bryan Battle at PFL Pittsburgh.

Kasanganay arrives with momentum of his own after delivering a first-round knockout win against Dalton Rosta. The 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament champion has reestablished himself as a dangerous force and now has an opportunity to claim another championship accolade.

Familiar rivals meet again

The interim title bout also renews a rivalry that already produced a closely contested battle. Eblen and Kasanganay previously faced each other during the landmark PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event, where Eblen escaped with a split-decision victory.

That result has given Kasanganay additional motivation heading into PFL Austin. Beyond capturing championship gold, he will have the chance to even the score against one of the division’s most accomplished fighters.

For Eblen, another victory would reinforce his standing among the elite names competing under the PFL banner. The former champion has consistently remained in the title conversation and now finds himself back on a championship stage.

Strong card takes shape

While the interim title fight headlines the event, the co-main event features another important matchup. Former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis will square off against 2024 PFL Europe Bantamweight Champion Lewis McGrillen in a contest that could carry future title implications.

Pettis has collected victories in two of his last three appearances and remains one of the division’s most experienced competitors. McGrillen enters the bout riding a four-fight winning streak and has built a reputation as a finisher with an impressive 92 percent finishing rate.

The preliminary card has also received additions ahead of fight night. Lightweight contender Sergio Cossio will meet Kolton Englund, while Andrea Vazquez and Aleksandra Savicheva are scheduled to compete in a women’s flyweight matchup.

PFL Austin is set for July 18 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Fans in the United States can watch the main card on ESPN2 beginning at 8 p.m. ET, while preliminary bouts will stream on the ESPN App starting at 5 p.m. ET.