URGENT UPDATE: Dutch middleweight Costello van Steenis has made headlines by capturing the PFL championship in a shocking upset against longtime champion Johnny Eblen on Saturday, July 15, 2023. In a dramatic finish, van Steenis submitted Eblen with a rear-naked choke with just nine seconds remaining in the fifth round, leaving the crowd in disbelief.
The fight took place at the PFL Championship event, where van Steenis (record: 17-3) took advantage of a visibly fatigued Eblen (record: 16-1), who had been a dominant force in the ring. Eblen, the reigning Bellator MMA champion, was favored by over 5-1 odds but was unable to maintain his pace as the fight progressed.
Van Steenis’s performance showcased his grappling prowess, achieving his seventh career win via submission. This unexpected turn of events has sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community, as Eblen was regarded as one of the top fighters outside of the UFC.
In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva continued her impressive run, defeating Sumiko Inaba by unanimous decision. This marked Ditcheva’s first fight of 2025 and her first decision match since 2022. Despite a strong showing, she suffered what appeared to be a broken left hand in the final round. Immediately after her victory, Ditcheva confirmed that she has signed a multi-year agreement with PFL, stating, “I just re-signed with PFL. We came to a great agreement. I look forward to the next few years.”
Adding to the night’s excitement, former Bellator MMA champion AJ McKee rebounded from a recent loss to Paul Hughes by defeating Akhmed Magomedov via unanimous decision. McKee (record: 23-2) demonstrated his grappling skills and striking accuracy, while also threatening with a rear-naked choke in the closing moments of the fight. After returning to the featherweight division, McKee expressed his satisfaction with the weight class, calling it a “welcome home party.”
These developments at the PFL Championship not only highlight the shifting dynamics in mixed martial arts but also set the stage for future matchups. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the implications of these fights unfold in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as the mixed martial arts landscape evolves following this thrilling night of fights.
