Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced a big time matchup today after teasing a huge bout. Johnny Eblen took to his social media to say that he’s signed a contract and it would be revealed soon.
This prompted PFL CEO John Martin to say the announcement was coming later today. Well, it did. Moments ago, PFL has announced that PFL Middleweight World Champion Costello Van Steenis and Johnny Eblen will battle in a rematch on July 18th in Austin, Texas.
https://x.com/pflmma/status/2052071317885550837?s=46
The first bout between the two happened at PFL South Africa last summer. During the bout, Eblen was controlling the fight and on his way to a victory when Van Steenis secured a rear-naked choke at the end of the fifth and final round, capturing the championship and handing Eblen the first loss of his professional career.
Eblen has been vocal about getting that loss back, and now, he has the chance. The PFL Austin main card will air live on ESPN2 in the U.S. beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The preliminary portion will start at 5 p.m. ET and can be seen on the ESPN app. Tickets for the event are available now through pre-sale by clicking here. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.