In a highly anticipated rematch, Costello Van Steenis successfully defended his PFL Middleweight Championship against Fabian Edwards at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, March 20th, 2026. The bout, which was the main event of PFL Madrid, ended with Van Steenis securing a knockout victory in the third round.
The first encounter between these two middleweight powerhouses took place on September 26, 2020, with Van Steenis emerging victorious via a split decision. This second bout was eagerly awaited by fans, as both fighters had shown significant growth and improvement since their initial meeting.
Van Steenis, the reigning PFL Middleweight Champion, entered the fight with an impressive professional record of 17-3-0, boasting a 76% finishing rate. Ranked as the No.8 middleweight in the world, Van Steenis had suffered a loss to Douglas Lima in 2023 but bounced back with victories against Gregory Babene, Joao Dantas, and Johnny Eblen.
Edwards, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the 2025 PFL Middleweight Tournament Champion, came into the fight with a record of 16-4-0 and a 56% finishing rate. Ranked No.12 in the middleweight division, Edwards had been defeated by Johnny Eblen in 2024 but had since secured wins against Impa Kasanganay, Joshua Silveira, and Dalton Rosta.
The fight lived up to its expectations, with both fighters showcasing their skills and determination. Van Steenis ultimately secured the victory with a knockout at 1:48 of the third round, solidifying his position as the PFL Middleweight Champion.
This thrilling rematch will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting bouts in PFL history. Fans eagerly await the next steps in the careers of these two exceptional middleweight fighters.
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