PFL Pittsburgh to Host Third 2026 Event with Eblen-Battle Headliner and Full Card Announcement.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to make its third stop of the 2026 season in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 28, presenting a comprehensive fight card that features a high-stakes middleweight main event between former champion Johnny Eblen and the PFL-debuting Bryan Battle. The event, scheduled to unfold at the UPMC Events Center, had its full lineup officially unveiled on Wednesday, promising a blend of established PFL stars, returning champions, and new contenders.

Headlining the evening, Johnny Eblen (16-1 MMA) steps into the SmartCage aiming to rebound from the first professional defeat of his career. Eblen, who commenced his professional journey with an unblemished 16-0 record, suffered a significant setback in his most recent outing, where he presumably lost his middleweight championship. This upcoming bout against Bryan Battle is critical for Eblen, as he seeks to re-establish his dominance in the division and position himself for a potential rematch with Costello van Steenis, the fighter who now holds the PFL Middleweight Championship. Van Steenis himself is slated to defend his newly acquired title against Fabian Edwards in an anticipated clash scheduled for March 20, adding further context to Eblen’s immediate divisional aspirations. Known for his powerful wrestling pedigree and relentless pressure, Eblen’s strategy will likely focus on dictating the pace and controlling the grappling exchanges against his opponent.

Bryan Battle (10-3 MMA), a promising contender from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) before his transition, will make his PFL debut in this marquee matchup. Battle’s UFC tenure, while showcasing flashes of his potential with notable wins, was frequently hampered by persistent weight-cutting issues, particularly at welterweight, which often impacted his performance and fight availability. His move to the PFL and the middleweight division signals a fresh start and an opportunity to compete in a weight class better suited to his physique. Battle possesses a well-rounded skill set, characterized by dangerous striking and opportunistic submissions, making him a formidable challenge for any opponent, let alone a former champion like Eblen. The bout against Eblen immediately thrusts Battle into the PFL’s competitive landscape, testing his readiness and potential at 185 pounds.

The co-main event of the PFL Pittsburgh card features a compelling middleweight encounter between Dalton Rosta (8-2 MMA) and the 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament winner, Impa Kasanganay (15-4 MMA). Rosta, a product of the Bellator system before its integration into the PFL, has consistently displayed heavy hands and a strong wrestling base throughout his career. His record indicates a fighter who can finish bouts, and he will be looking to make a statement against a high-profile opponent to climb the middleweight rankings.

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Impa Kasanganay’s inclusion in the middleweight division is a significant storyline, given his triumph in the 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament. Kasanganay’s unexpected run to the championship, which included impressive performances against a field of larger opponents, culminated in him securing the coveted PFL championship and the accompanying $1 million prize. His decision to drop down to middleweight (185 pounds) for the 2026 season suggests a strategic move to a division where he may possess a size and strength advantage, despite the significant weight cut. Kasanganay’s fighting style is characterized by high-volume striking, relentless pressure, and an aggressive grappling approach, traits that served him well in the light heavyweight division. This bout will provide an early indicator of his effectiveness in his new weight class against a proven middleweight contender in Rosta.

Further bolstering the main card, the PFL will witness the promotional debut of veteran flyweight Ariane Lipski da Silva (14-9 MMA), who is scheduled to face Sumiko Inaba (6-2 MMA). Lipski, known as "The Queen of Violence," brings a wealth of experience from her tenure in the UFC, where she compiled a record of 6-8 across multiple high-profile bouts in the women’s flyweight division. After signing with the PFL in September, her debut is highly anticipated as she looks to leverage her striking prowess and aggression within the PFL’s tournament format. Her opponent, Sumiko Inaba, has built a solid record primarily outside of the major promotions, showcasing a developing skill set and a determination to rise through the ranks. This matchup provides an opportunity for both fighters to establish themselves in the nascent PFL women’s flyweight division.

The main card also features two additional compelling matchups. Alexei Pergande (5-1 MMA) will take on veteran Julio Arce (18-6 MMA) in what is expected to be a dynamic featherweight clash. Arce, with extensive experience in the UFC and a reputation for technical striking and submission defense, presents a significant challenge for the ascending Pergande. Additionally, Lazaro Dayron (8-2 MMA) is slated to meet Jacob Thrall (11-4 MMA), offering another opportunity for fighters to make an impact early in the PFL season.

The preliminary card is equally stacked with significant matchups, most notably the return of two-time PFL lightweight tournament champion Natan Schulte (24-6-1, 1 NC MMA). Schulte, a highly respected figure in the lightweight division, will make his comeback against Jakub Kaszuba (11-1 MMA). Schulte’s return marks his first fight since a controversial incident in 2023, where he was suspended indefinitely by the league. The suspension followed a lightweight bout against his close friend, Raush Manfio, in which the PFL ruled that neither competitor fought with the intention to win. This unprecedented decision by the league cast a shadow over Schulte’s otherwise stellar career, which includes winning the PFL Lightweight Championship in both 2018 and 2019. His return against Kaszuba, a highly touted prospect with a strong record, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as Schulte seeks to prove his fighting intent and reclaim his position at the top of the division after a significant layoff.

Other notable preliminary bouts include Bryce Meredith (3-0 MMA) against Jack Cartwright (10-2 MMA) in a bantamweight contest, promising a clash of styles between two rising talents. Robert Watley (14-3 MMA) will face Dakota Bush (10-5 MMA) in a lightweight showdown, while Ernesto Rodriguez (12-3 MMA) takes on Masayuki Kikuiri (10-3 MMA). The women’s flyweight division will see Tatiana Postarnakova (7-3 MMA) meet Elora Dana (5-2 MMA). Rounding out the preliminaries are Josh Fremd (11-5 MMA) vs. Jarrah Al Salawi (18-4 MMA) in a middleweight bout, and Ethan Goss (5-2 MMA) vs. Fred Dupras (6-2 MMA) in a lightweight affair.

The PFL Pittsburgh event will be broadcast live from the UPMC Events Center. The main card action is scheduled to commence at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2, while the preliminary card will be available for streaming on the ESPN App starting at 7 p.m. ET. This event marks a critical juncture for many fighters looking to accumulate points in the PFL’s unique regular season format, which ultimately leads to playoff berths and the coveted PFL championship at the end of the year.

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