The Professional Fighters League (PFL) makes its debut in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the UPMC Events Center on Saturday, March 28. The Middleweight Main Event will see Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-1) take on Bryan “The Butcher” Battle (12-2-1 NC), promising a high-stakes showdown in front of a passionate Steel City crowd.

Pre-sale tickets will be available Tuesday, January 27 at 10:00 am ET, with general sale starting Thursday, January 29 at 10:00 am ET via Ticketmaster. Fans can visit http://pfl.info/pittsburgh for details and ticketing information. Additional bouts will be announced soon.

Eblen and Battle headline PFL Pittsburgh debut

Johnny Eblen enters the cage looking to reassert his dominance in the Middleweight division. After a dramatic finish in Cape Town cost him the title, “Pressure” aims to remind fans why he amassed 16 straight wins prior to his last fight. Widely regarded as one of the top 185 lb fighters in MMA, Eblen is expected to deliver a commanding performance against Battle.

Bryan Battle, a former winner of The Ultimate Fighter, makes his PFL debut after signing late last year as one of MMA’s most sought-after free agents. Known for his all-action style, Battle recorded back-to-back first-round finishes in the Dirty Boxing Championship and holds a 10–2 record with nine UFC bouts. He will face one of the toughest tests of his career against Eblen, confident in his ability to make an immediate impact in the PFL.

Co-Main features local favorite Dalton Rosta

Pittsburgh’s own Dalton “Hercules” Rosta (11-2) returns after reaching the Finals of the 2025 PFL World Tournament. He will take on Congo’s Impa “Tshilobo” Kasanganay (19-6) in a classic rivalry between American Top Team and Kill Cliff, two of South Florida’s top gyms. Fans can expect a competitive clash of styles and a showcase of elite MMA talent in front of a hometown crowd.

“The PFL is excited to make its debut in one of the most passionate sports towns in America,” said PFL CEO John Martin. “Bringing the PFL to Pittsburgh marks a major milestone for us, and it’s especially meaningful as it will be the city’s first MMA show in nearly 10 years. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable night of world-class mixed martial arts and introducing the PFL experience to a fanbase that truly appreciates elite competition.”

The Main Card will air in the U.S. on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT. The early card begins at 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT on the ESPN App for fans with an ESPN Unlimited plan.

PFL Pittsburgh Main Card

Location: UPMC Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Date & Time: March 28 | 10 pm ET
Broadcast: ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes (US)

Main Event: Johnny Eblen (16-1) vs. Bryan Battle (12-2, 1 NC)
Co-Main Event: Dalton Rosta (11-2) vs. Impa Kasanganay (19-6)