In a highly anticipated clash at PFL Madrid, Costello van Steenis emerged victorious over Fabian Edwards, once again extinguishing Edwards’ title aspirations. This bout was pivotal for Edwards, who previously earned a shot at the title following his success in the PFL 2025 middleweight tournament. The stakes were high as Edwards sought to become a champion, following two defeats to Johnny Eblen in Bellator’s middleweight division.
Fight Overview
As the fight commenced, both competitors showcased their skills against a backdrop of vocal Spanish fans. Edwards experienced mixed reactions, while Van Steenis received a warm welcome. The first round was closely contested, with Edwards showing promise until a critical error allowed Van Steenis to gain the upper hand.
Round One: Early Exchanges
- In the opening round, the fighters traded leg kicks.
- Edwards made a pivotal mistake, allowing Van Steenis to reverse the action and secure a dominant position on the ground.
- Blood could be seen pouring from Edwards’ left eye, showcasing the fight’s intensity.
Changing Momentum
Despite struggling with ground control, Edwards attempted a shift in tactics, opting for takedowns. However, Van Steenis consistently flipped the momentum back in his favor. During striking exchanges, Edwards displayed speed but continued to face repercussions from his earlier decisions.
Decisive Third Round
The third round proved catastrophic for Edwards. As he tried to wrestle Van Steenis against the cage, the defending champion landed a barrage of elbows. This relentless assault forced Edwards to collapse, prompting the referee to intervene and stop the bout.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the conclusion of the fight, Van Steenis celebrated his victory, taking in the applause from the crowd. This defeat represents a difficult phase for Edwards, compounded by his brother Leon’s recent knockout loss to Carlos Prates in November.
Van Steenis’ Respect for Edwards
Van Steenis acknowledged Edwards’ abilities, asserting that he remains a formidable competitor. “He could still achieve championship status in the future, but not by competing against me,” he stated. Van Steenis was surprised by Edwards’ strategy, reflecting on Edwards’ aggressive and confident demeanor in their previous encounter.
With this victory, Costello van Steenis reinforces his position in the PFL, while Fabian Edwards faces further challenges ahead in his pursuit of a championship title.
