Ali Akbar Rosady
Costello van Steenis, the reigning Professional Fighters League (PFL) Light Heavyweight Champion, has issued a stark warning to top contender Johnny Eblen, emphasizing the high stakes of Eblen’s upcoming interim title rematch against Impa Kasanganay. Van Steenis, forced to withdraw from a highly anticipated main event clash with Eblen due to a significant injury, will now observe from the sidelines as the interim championship unfolds at PFL Austin.
The Dutch champion, known for his dynamic striking and aggressive approach, was originally slated to defend his title against Eblen on July 18 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. However, an undisclosed but serious medical issue has temporarily sidelined van Steenis, paving the way for Eblen and Kasanganay to vie for the interim belt. Van Steenis, expected to be in attendance, did not mince words when addressing Eblen’s recent comments regarding their potential future encounter.
"He’s saying he’s focused on Impa, but he can’t wait to beat my ass," van Steenis told MMA Fighting earlier this week, referencing Eblen’s public statements. "In every interview and every social media platform, I see him mentioning my name. I’m thinking, dude, you’re fighting Impa, right? Make sure you fight him. From now on you’re fighting Impa, so you mean nothing to me. If you lose against Impa, you mean even less than nothing to me. So you better win. You better win and then make sure that you say what you’re going to do. When we sign the contract for the end of the year or maybe next year, I’m gonna look after myself and make sure that I’m gonna smash you. That I’m gonna smash him."
This fiery declaration underscores the intense rivalry brewing in the PFL’s light heavyweight division, even with the champion out of action. Van Steenis’s frustration at his forced absence is palpable, yet his focus remains firmly on a future unification bout, provided Eblen navigates the challenge posed by Kasanganay.
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The Landscape of the PFL Light Heavyweight Division
The PFL operates on a unique season-based format, culminating in a playoff structure and a championship fight where the winner is crowned champion and awarded a significant prize. Costello van Steenis secured his PFL Light Heavyweight Championship in dominant fashion at the 2024 PFL World Championship, defeating veteran contender Alex Polizzi via unanimous decision after a grueling five-round battle. His professional mixed martial arts record stands at an impressive 17-2, with a perfect 6-0 record within the PFL, a testament to his consistent performance and ability to adapt to the league’s demanding format. Van Steenis’s style is characterized by relentless pressure, sharp kickboxing, and opportunistic grappling, making him a formidable opponent for any contender.
Johnny Eblen, holding an equally impressive professional record of 14-1, has carved out a reputation as a dominant force in the division. His sole professional loss came at the hands of van Steenis in a closely contested bout at PFL 3 in 2024. That fight, a narrow split decision victory for van Steenis, has fueled the animosity between the two, with Eblen publicly expressing his belief that the decision should have favored him. Eblen, a former collegiate wrestler, relies on a powerful wrestling base, heavy ground-and-pound, and relentless cage pressure to overwhelm his opponents. His journey through the PFL has seen him consistently rank among the top contenders, making his pursuit of the interim title a logical step towards reclaiming a shot at the undisputed championship.
Impa Kasanganay, with a professional record of 11-3, brings an athletic and evolving skill set to the cage. Known for his explosive striking and improved defensive grappling, Kasanganay has proven himself a resilient and dangerous competitor. His first encounter with Eblen in 2024 was a testament to his grit, resulting in a competitive split decision loss that many analysts considered a razor-thin contest. Since that bout, Kasanganay has demonstrated significant progress, securing two decisive victories in the current PFL regular season, which propelled him into contention for the interim title. His recent performances against formidable opponents like Jordan Johnson and Rob Wilkinson have showcased his growth and readiness for a championship opportunity.
The Interim Title Bout: Eblen vs. Kasanganay Rematch
The PFL Austin event on July 18 at the Moody Center now features Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay in the main event, battling for the interim PFL Light Heavyweight Championship. The stakes are exceptionally high, as the winner will not only claim interim gold but also earn the right to face the undisputed champion, Costello van Steenis, in a future unification bout.
Van Steenis, despite his clear desire for Eblen to emerge victorious to set up their highly anticipated rematch, expressed a nuanced perspective on the upcoming fight. He acknowledged his respect and admiration for Kasanganay, highlighting a personal connection that transcends their competitive roles.
"It can go both ways," van Steenis said regarding the Eblen-Kasanganay rematch. "I really like Impa. I trained with him. I see him not only as a future opponent, but I also see him as an inspiration to me and to other athletes. And I see him also as a friend. I trained with him in Kill Cliff a couple of times, he’s a great guy. I’m rooting for him. I hope he wins."
However, his competitive drive quickly overshadowed his personal sentiment. "But I also hope Eblen wins so I can fight him again, and then I am the only guy that beat Eblen. So when I fight him again, then I’m the only guy that beat Eblen not once, but two times," he added, underlining his confidence and strategic desire for a definitive narrative in his rivalry with Eblen. This statement reinforces the champion’s belief in his superiority and his aim to solidify his position as Eblen’s undisputed conqueror.
The Impact of Injury and Road to Recovery
Van Steenis chose not to elaborate on the specifics of his injury, only describing it as "serious" and debilitating. He revealed that the ailment severely restricted his mobility, preventing him from undertaking basic physical activities such as riding a bike or climbing stairs. This level of impairment made it impossible for him to fulfill his contractual obligation for the July 18 bout.
"I signed the contract to fight in the 18th of July and bad luck came around knocking on the door and I got injured," van Steenis explained. "Of course it’s very normal that you fight injured. I think in every fight you get injured, in training camp, but this was an injury that I couldn’t say I want to fight or I have to fight. Even though if I said I have to fight I couldn’t fight because I couldn’t do anything. I just needed to accept."
The champion candidly spoke about the psychological toll of the injury, acknowledging a personal sense of failure. "Of course I felt like that I lost the fight against myself because first priority is look after yourself, be sure you’re as healthy as possible to get in the fight because you signed the contract, and I failed to myself on this. But after a couple of weeks I had to accept it. Or you just sit there on the sofa whining about it, or you accept that you’re injured and just get to work, get better. Maybe it was meant to be, you know? Even more time to be a better fighter and a better human than I am now." This reflection highlights the mental fortitude required of professional athletes when faced with adversity and the constant pursuit of self-improvement.
Looking ahead, van Steenis expressed optimism regarding his recovery timeline, anticipating a return to full health within approximately four weeks. His sights are firmly set on a unification bout, which he projects could take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. This extended timeline suggests a cautious approach to ensure complete recovery and optimal preparation for such a high-stakes encounter.
The emotional impact of watching others compete in his stead was also a point of frustration for the champion. "It’s very frustrating," van Steenis admitted. "I signed the contract to fight on the 18th of July and that’s me sitting on the sideline, and two other people – while I should be fighting, they’re fighting. I just need to accept it, you know? It is what it is. I just need to watch the fight and swallow the tears, actually – saying it in soft words. It’s a motherf*cker [laughs]."
As the PFL Austin event approaches, all eyes will be on Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay. Their interim title clash not only promises fireworks but will also dictate the future trajectory of the PFL Light Heavyweight Championship, with Costello van Steenis keenly observing, awaiting his opportunity to solidify his dominance against the victor. The path to undisputed glory remains clear for van Steenis, contingent on both his recovery and Eblen’s performance on July 18.
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