Costello Van Steenis Retains PFL Middleweight World Title

PFL Madrid concluded with a triumphant celebration as Costello van Steenis (18-3) successfully defended his PFL Middleweight World Title on home soil. This historic victory established him as the inaugural main event winner in Spain's first significant MMA spectacle.

In a hard-fought rematch, “The Spaniard” Van Steenis secured his second victory over Fabian Edwards (16-5). The decisive moment came in the third round when Edwards attempted a takedown, inadvertently pinning himself against the cage. Van Steenis seized this opportunity, unleashing a barrage of elbows until Edwards was rendered unconscious.

The Co-Main Event showcased AJ “Mercenary” McKee (24-2) reaffirming his status as an elite featherweight. He delivered a dominant and comprehensive performance, earning a unanimous decision victory against Ádám “The Kid” Borics (20-4). This impressive win positions McKee strongly in the hunt for the 145 lb championship.

At Palacio Vistalegre, Franco “El Rey de la Calle” Tenaglia (6-2) emerged victorious against French contender Yassin “The Scientist” Najid (9-6) via doctor stoppage at the end of the second round. The stoppage occurred when Najid dislocated his shoulder while bracing against Tenaglia's takedown attempt. The former BKFC Champion from Argentina was a crowd favorite in his PFL debut, hinting at a promising career ahead.

Jacinta “The Juggernaut” Austin (9-2) capitalized on the grand platform of PFL Madrid, securing a spectacular first-round knockout against Benita van Rooij (7-2). Austin floored Rooij with a powerful right hand, then followed up with relentless ground-and-pound, marking a memorable strawweight performance.

The Main Card kicked off with a heavyweight clash where Linton “The Big Swarm” Vassell (26-10, 1 NC) delivered an electrifying performance, earning a TKO win against Jose “Gugu” Augusto (11-6). Vassell secured a takedown, then unleashed a flurry of heavy ground-and-pound, prompting the referee to halt the contest. At 42, Vassell once again demonstrated that age is no barrier to dominance.

Complete PFL Madrid Fight Card Results:

Main Card:

• PFL Middleweight World Title Main Event: C-Costello van Steenis def. #2-Fabian Edwards by KO (elbows), Round 3, 1:48
• Featherweight Co-Main Event: #2-AJ McKee def. #4-Adam Borics by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Welterweight Bout: Franco Tenaglia def. Yassin Najid by TKO (doctor stoppage), Round 2, 5:00
• Women’s Strawweight Bout: Jacinta Austin def. Benita Van Rooij by KO, Round 1, 2:40
• Heavyweight Bout: #4-Linton Vassell def. Jose Augusto by TKO (punches), Round 2, 2:48

Preliminary Card:

• Bantamweight Bout: Luciano Pereira def. Kevin Cordero by knockout (punch), Round 1, 2:10
• Flyweight Bout: Borja Garcia def. Rafael Calderon by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Lightweight Bout: Gino van Steenis def. Mark Ewen by knockout (punch), Round 1, 2:43
• Bantamweight Bout: Mattia Giordano def. Ernesto Schisano by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• 165-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Claudio Pacella def. David Mora by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
• Featherweight Bout: Ignacio Campos def. Mathys Duragrin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)