Ali Akbar Rosady
Madrid, Spain – Costello van Steenis successfully defended his PFL middleweight championship, stopping Fabian Edwards via third-round knockout with a series of brutal elbow strikes, sending the home crowd into a frenzy at Friday’s PFL Madrid event. The highly anticipated middleweight championship rematch headlined a landmark card that marked the Professional Fighters League’s inaugural major mixed martial arts event on Spanish soil, a significant moment for the sport’s expansion in Europe.
The main event rematch between van Steenis (18-2-1), the reigning champion known for his well-rounded skill set and relentless pressure, and Edwards (12-4), a dynamic grappler and striking threat often referred to as "The Assassin," carried significant weight. Van Steenis had previously defeated Edwards, and this second encounter was expected to settle any lingering doubts regarding their rivalry. Edwards, brother of UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, sought to avenge his prior loss and claim his first major championship.
The opening stanza of the championship contest set a competitive tone, with both fighters testing the waters. Van Steenis, recognized for his powerful striking, landed a significant right hand early in the round, momentarily staggering Edwards. Capitalizing on the impact, the champion immediately secured double under hooks, pressing Edwards against the fence and attempting to control the grappling exchanges. The fighters separated briefly, with Edwards managing to land a sharp elbow on the break, a glimpse of his own offensive capabilities. Edwards then attempted his own takedown, but van Steenis expertly defended, nearly catching the challenger in a guillotine choke. The champion ultimately ended the round in a dominant top position, signaling his intent to control the pace and dictate the terms of engagement.
As the second round commenced, Edwards, a skilled grappler, opted to continue pursuing a ground-based strategy. His persistence paid off when van Steenis momentarily lost his balance after throwing a kick, allowing Edwards to capitalize and secure top position. With approximately two minutes remaining in the round, Edwards transitioned effectively to van Steenis’s back, threatening with control and looking for opportunities to land strikes. During this period, the referee issued two warnings to Edwards for illegally grabbing his opponent’s glove, a foul that could have led to a point deduction. Van Steenis, ever resourceful, attempted a Peruvian neck tie submission, a complex maneuver that could have turned the tide. However, the attempt slipped, and Edwards seized the opportunity to land several significant shots as the round drew to a close, evening the score in what was becoming a tightly contested affair.
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The decisive third round began with Edwards once again attempting to initiate a wrestling exchange, clearly favoring his grappling advantage. He again sought a guillotine choke, but van Steenis demonstrated strong defensive awareness, preventing the submission attempt from materializing. As Edwards continued to press for a takedown against the cage, van Steenis, showing championship composure and tactical brilliance, began to unleash a series of short, sharp elbows from close range. These elbows, delivered with precision and power, connected repeatedly with Edwards, who was trapped in a vulnerable position. The accumulation of these strikes proved too much for the challenger. Referee Marc Goddard intervened at 1 minute, 49 seconds of the third round, waving off the contest as Edwards sagged against the fence, awarding Costello van Steenis the knockout victory and his second win over Fabian Edwards. The victory not only solidified van Steenis’s reign as the PFL middleweight champion but also marked a significant moment in the promotion’s international expansion.
McKee Overcomes Dislocated Toe for Unanimous Decision Win in Co-Headliner
In the co-main event, a highly anticipated featherweight contest, former Bellator Featherweight Champion AJ McKee (21-1) demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill to secure a unanimous decision victory over Adam Borics (18-3). The bout was a pivotal matchup for both fighters, with McKee looking to assert his dominance in the PFL featherweight division and Borics aiming to climb the ranks.
McKee, known as "The Mercenary" for his dynamic and aggressive fighting style, looked exceptional in the opening round. He utilized his length and diverse striking arsenal, landing significant blows and controlling the pace. However, a moment of concern arose at the very end of the round when McKee suffered a dislocated toe, a painful injury that could severely impede a fighter’s movement and balance.
Despite the injury, McKee returned for the second round, visibly limping but undeterred. Borics, "The Kid," a Hungarian striking specialist with a background in kickboxing, adjusted his strategy, opting for a more counter-striking approach to exploit McKee’s compromised mobility. The action intensified as the round progressed, with both fighters exchanging blows. McKee, demonstrating incredible toughness, continued to get the better of the striking exchanges, leveraging his reach and technique. He then initiated a pressure clinch against the fence, controlling Borics and minimizing the impact of his injury. Despite his visible discomfort, McKee’s resolve was evident as he limped back to his corner after the round.
Entering the third round, the severity of McKee’s dislocated toe was apparent, yet he continued to battle through the pain with unwavering determination. He masterfully utilized his range, keeping Borics at bay and landing effective strikes. Borics, needing to increase his output to secure a victory, surprisingly failed to pick up the pace, allowing McKee to maintain control. With just over two minutes remaining in the fight, McKee executed a slick takedown, further solidifying his control and negating Borics’ striking opportunities. He fended off a last-ditch effort from Borics to reverse position, ultimately riding out the round to a dominant finish. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of AJ McKee, a testament to his mental fortitude and technical prowess in overcoming a significant physical challenge. The victory positions McKee as a formidable contender in the PFL featherweight landscape.
Undercard Highlights at PFL Madrid
The PFL Madrid card also featured a series of electrifying performances across the undercard, highlighting emerging talent and delivering several decisive finishes for the Spanish audience.
In a lightweight contest, Franco Tenaglia (7-1) secured a second-round TKO victory over Yassin Najid (11-4) at the 5:00 mark, showcasing his finishing instincts. Jacinta Austin (6-2) delivered a dominant performance in the women’s flyweight division, stopping Benita Van Roiij (3-3) via first-round TKO at 2:40. Heavyweight veteran Linton Vassell (24-8) added another win to his record, defeating Jose Augusto (8-6) via second-round TKO at 2:48, demonstrating his continued relevance in the division.
The preliminary card also saw explosive knockouts. Luciano Pereira (10-2) made quick work of Kevin Cordero (5-2), securing a first-round KO at 2:10. Notably, Gino van Steenis (5-0), brother of the main event champion Costello van Steenis, also delivered a spectacular first-round KO against Mark Ewen (5-2) at 2:43, adding to the family’s triumphant night and signaling his own potential in the sport. Borja Garcia (6-0), Mattia Giordano (11-4), Claudio Pacella (4-0), and Ignacio Campos (5-0) all secured unanimous decision victories in their respective bouts, further enriching a night of high-stakes mixed martial arts.
The PFL Madrid event not only provided thrilling athletic competition but also marked a significant milestone for mixed martial arts in Spain. As the first major MMA event hosted in the country, it established a strong precedent for future international expansion for the Professional Fighters League, demonstrating the growing global appeal and reach of the sport.
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