Van Steenis Retains PFL Middleweight Title via KO

Costello van Steenis retained his Professional Fighters League middleweight championship on Friday with a third-round knockout victory over challenger Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid, held at the Palacio Vistalegre arena in the Spanish capital.

The 33-year-old Dutch-Spanish fighter, known as "The Spaniard," ended the bout at 1:48 of the third frame by landing a flurry of short elbows against the cage, dropping Edwards to the canvas. Referee Blake Grice stepped in as Edwards slumped, unable to defend himself. The win marked van Steenis's first successful title defense since capturing the belt last summer with a comeback victory over former champion Johnny Eblen.

The matchup served as a rematch from their September 2020 encounter at Bellator Milan, where van Steenis earned a split decision. Edwards, the brother of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, entered the fight as the 2025 PFL middleweight tournament winner, having knocked out Dalton Rosta in the final. Despite his grappling background, Edwards's repeated takedown attempts proved costly. In the opening round, van Steenis stuffed an early shot and briefly threatened with a guillotine choke, securing top position to...