UPDATE: In a stunning upset, Dutch middleweight Costello van Steenis has captured the PFL championship by submitting longtime champion Johnny Eblen in the final moments of their title fight on July 15, 2023. With just nine seconds left on the clock, van Steenis (17-3) executed a rear-naked choke, leaving Eblen (16-1) unconscious and the crowd in disbelief.
This dramatic conclusion marks a pivotal moment in the world of mixed martial arts. Eblen, who was a heavy favorite at over 5-1, had dominated most of the bout but visibly fatigued as the fight progressed. The bout had showcased his skills and resilience, but van Steenis capitalized on Eblen’s exhaustion to secure the victory in a breathtaking finish.
Throughout the match, Eblen, the reigning champion who transitioned from Bellator MMA to PFL, exhibited strong grappling and striking abilities. However, as the fifth round approached its end, his stamina waned, allowing van Steenis to execute his game plan effectively. This result not only shocks fans but also redefines the competitive landscape of the PFL.
In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva continued her winning streak, decisively defeating Sumiko Inaba by unanimous decision. This marks Ditcheva’s first fight of 2025 and her first match to go the distance since 2022. Despite injuring her left hand in the final round, Ditcheva showcased her dominance throughout the fight, solidifying her status in the division.
“I just re-signed with PFL. We came to a great agreement. I look forward to the next few years,” Ditcheva stated after her victory.
Meanwhile, in a featherweight bout, former Bellator champion AJ McKee (23-2) bounced back from a recent loss, defeating Akhmed Magomedov (11-2) by unanimous decision. McKee demonstrated his grappling prowess and striking accuracy, delivering clean blows and even threatening with a rear-naked choke in the final moments of the fight. The victory marked McKee’s successful return to the 145-pound weight class, which he described as a “welcome home party.”
This PFL event has significant implications for the fighters and the promotion, as van Steenis’ victory not only highlights his skill set but also sets the stage for future matchups and rivalries. Fans are eager to see how the landscape will shift following this monumental night in mixed martial arts.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on PFL to see how they leverage these outcomes and what new matchups will emerge. Stay tuned for further developments as the excitement from this event continues to unfold.
