PFL Cape Town: Costello van Steenis Submits Johnny Eblen for Middleweight Title in Stunning Upset

In a stunning turn of events at PFL Cape Town on July 19, 2025, Costello van Steenis shocked the MMA world by submitting undefeated Bellator champion Johnny Eblen with just nine seconds remaining in the fifth round. This pivotal fight not only crowned van Steenis as the new PFL Middleweight Champion but also marked a dramatic come-from-behind victory in a bout where Eblen seemed to be in control for much of the match. The outcome has significant implications for both fighters, reshaping the middleweight landscape within the sport.

Pre-Fight Build-Up and Expectations at PFL Cape Town

Ahead of the much-anticipated match at PFL Cape Town, the atmosphere was electric. Johnny Eblen, after solidifying his reputation as the Bellator MMA middleweight champion, was stepping into the cage with the hopes of adding PFL gold to his accolades. Both fans and analysts alike were eager to see if Eblen could maintain his unbeaten streak against the rising contender, Costello van Steenis. Observers noted Eblen’s strategic fighting style and grappling prowess as critical in this matchup; however, Van Steenis had been noted for his resilience and ability to capitalise on his opponent’s mistakes.

In the lead-up to the fight, Eblen expressed confidence in his ability to control the match. “I’ve been preparing for van Steenis as if he is my toughest opponent yet,” he stated during a pre-fight interview. On the other hand, van Steenis aimed to make a statement, driven by the urge to dethrone the champion and secure his path in the MMA world. The narrative was set, with fans predicting a classic battle between Eblen’s experience and Van Steenis’s hunger.

Eblen Dominates Early Rounds Against Van Steenis

As the fight began, Eblen quickly established his dominance, utilising his grappling skills to dictate the pace. From the opening bell, he pushed Van Steenis to the ground, showing his intent to control the fight from the top position. Frequently, fans in attendance expressed awe as Eblen manoeuvred expertly, positioning himself well to mount an offensive from within Van Steenis’s guard. The crowd, however, knew that Van Steenis was not out of the fight yet, as he appeared willing to adapt despite the initial onslaught of Eblen’s tactics.

With each passing minute, Eblen executed his game plan with precision. Round one showcased him taking the champ’s back and landing heavy strikes, while Van Steenis displayed resilience in managing to escape several precarious positions. Eblen’s corner urged him to maintain control, and he followed through effectively, landing strikes that showcased his intent to finish early. The challenge now lay for Van Steenis to survive and regain his footing in the bout.

Turning Points in the Fight: Van Steenis’s Resilience Shines

Entering the second round, Eblen continued to impose his will on Van Steenis, successfully landing takedowns and showcasing his grappling dominance. However, as the fight progressed, signs began to emerge that Van Steenis was starting to adapt. Each time Eblen pushed for control, Van Steenis fought back, proving he wasn’t merely a placeholder in the matchup. This resilience began to shift the momentum in the second round, as Van Steenis momentarily reversed a position, the crowd erupted, sensing the potential of a comeback.

The tension in the arena heightened as Van Steenis found himself sustained on his feet towards the end of the rounds. His striking was becoming increasingly effective, as evidenced by his high kick and calf kick strategies. Analysts noted that this could be the adjustment he needed to turn things in his favour, shifting from a predominantly defensive strategy to one that threatened Eblen with increased offence.

The Critical Championship Rounds: A Dramatic Shift

Eblen entered the championship rounds with a solid lead, bolstered by his success in the earlier rounds, but the tides began to turn. In the crucial fourth round, Van Steenis showcased remarkable durability, busting out significant combinations that left Eblen looking weary as time wound down. Each strike landed by Van Steenis fueled the crowd and gave him an unexpected burst of energy, a crucial factor as the fight entered its final minutes.

The pivotal moment arrived when Van Steenis began to find his range. As he forced Eblen back against the fence, fans saw an increasing confidence from the challenger. The champion, despite his earlier dominance, appeared fatigued. When Van Steenis landed a series of kicks and combinations, it was clear he had seized the psychological advantage heading into the fifth and final round, ramping up the stakes even further.

A Stunning Finish and New PFL Middleweight Champion Emerges

As the fifth round commenced, both fighters knew the stakes were at an all-time high. Eblen sought to regain control quickly, taking Van Steenis down early, but the challenger was alert and managed to shake him off, flipping the narrative on Eblen in a surprising turn of events. The crowd erupted in disbelief as Van Steenis transitioned to Eblen’s back, attempting a rear-naked choke that would become the dramatic climax of the encounter.

In a remarkable display of determination and skill, Van Steenis secured the choke just nine seconds before the fight concluded, with Eblen unable to escape. The collective gasp from the audience transitioned into a roar as Van Steenis emerged victorious, signalling a new era in the middleweight division. This moment was celebrated as a remarkable come-from-behind victory—Van Steenis had not only dethroned Eblen but also shown that in MMA, resilience and strategy can lead to glory, elevating him to PFL Middleweight Champion.

Costello van Steenis stunned the MMA world by submitting Johnny Eblen with just nine seconds remaining in the fifth round, claiming the PFL Middleweight Championship in a dramatic comeback. This victory not only emphasises van Steenis’s resilience but also underlines the unpredictable nature of combat sports—what does this mean for the future of the middleweight division?

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