Johnny Eblen Crowned Interim PFL Middleweight Champion at Austin Event
The PFL Austin event at the Moody Center concluded with a night of high-caliber mixed martial arts action.
In the main event, Johnny Eblen (18-1) emerged as the PFL Interim Middleweight World Champion. Eblen settled his rivalry with Impa Kasanganay (20-7) by landing powerful strikes to achieve a dramatic third-round knockout. With the current World Champion, Costello van Steenis, watching ringside, Eblen expressed his intent to unify the middleweight division and avenge his previous loss.
In the co-featured bout, Rafael do Nascimento (13-2) made a strong debut in the PFL Bantamweight division, defeating Lewis McGrillen (12-2). The Brazilian fighter dominated, securing McGrillen's back and forcing a submission via rear-naked choke in the second round.
Elsewhere on the main card, veteran Julio Arce (22-7) earned a unanimous decision victory over Caolan Loughran (11-4) after a closely contested three-round bout.
Kicking off the main card, the formidable Jesus Pinedo (26-8-1) returned to the win column in Texas, defeating Joey Ruquet (10-5) by TKO in the first round. With mere seconds left in the opening round, Pinedo unleashed a barrage of punches that overwhelmed Ruquet, leading to the stoppage. The 30-year-old Peruvian featherweight contender is now focused on reclaiming a top position in the division.
Key PFL Austin Main Card Results:
- Johnny Eblen (18-1) defeated Impa Kasanganay (20-7) by KO (punches) at 2:39 of round three.
- Rafael do Nascimento (13-2) defeated Lewis McGrillen (12-2) by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:07 of round two.
- Julio Arce (22-7) defeated Caolan Loughran (11-4) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
- Jesus Pinedo (26-8-1) defeated Joey Ruquet (10-5) by TKO (strikes) at 4:50 of round one.
Preliminary Card Highlights:
- Gamid Khizriev (5-0) defeated Biaggio Ali Walsh (4-2) by submission (twister) at 2:32 of round one.
- Aleksandra Savicheva (8-2) defeated Andrea Vazquez (8-4) by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
- Ashley Thiner (3-0) defeated Mia Grawe (3-1) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
- Jackson Glass (4-0) defeated Zak Flessas (2-2) by TKO (strikes) at 1:47 of round one.
- Victoria Alba (7-2) defeated Borena Tsertsvadze (6-2) by TKO (strikes) at 4:50 of round three.
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