PFL CEO: Eblen-Van Steenis Rematch Biggest Fight Ever

PFL CEO John Martin says the rematch between Johnny Eblen and Costello van Steenis will be the biggest fight in Professional Fighters League history once it finally happens. Martin made the comments in an interview posted by the promotion, reflecting on a rivalry that already produced one of the wildest scenes in company history and now sits on hold after the scheduled rematch was postponed due to injury.

The two light heavyweights first met in July 2025, when van Steenis pulled off a late submission win, still the only loss on Eblen's record. That result alone would have justified a rematch, but the animosity between the two boiled over months later in Tampa. Moments after Eblen beat Impa Kasanganay to claim interim gold, van Steenis climbed into the cage uninvited, sparking a tense confrontation that had Martin bracing for a real fight to break out on the spot.

What Happened Between Eblen and Van Steenis in Tampa

Martin described the scene as a genuine skirmish, saying he got nervous watching it unfold in real time. "That was a skirmish in the cage afterwards when Costello unexpectedly climbed in," Martin said. "And I got a little nervous." He also recounted the exchange with his champion in the moment, recalling Eblen telling him, "I'm going after him right now," before he replied, "Alright, please, because I'm the one that's going to end up getting hurt in this."

That confrontation is exactly why Martin is billing the eventual rematch the way he is. "That fight, when that happens, that is going to be the biggest fight in the history of the PFL," Martin added. "Those guys do not like each other."

Why the Rematch Still Matters for the Title Picture

This is not a grudge match for its own sake. The Costello van Steenis vs. Johnny Eblen rematch is the biggest fight in Professional Fighters League history, according to the promotion's CEO, and the bout was set up as a title unification showdown after Eblen won interim gold against Kasanganay while van Steenis still held the belt he took in their first meeting. Whenever a new date gets locked in, the winner walks out as the undisputed light heavyweight champion, on top of settling a feud that nearly spilled over into a second fight in the cage that night in Tampa.

For bettors, this is one to circle now and price out once a date is announced. Eblen built his name as one of the promotion's most dominant grapplers, but the lone blemish on his record belongs to van Steenis, and that history should keep this rematch closer on the board than a typical Eblen title defense. A fighter who has already finished you late in a fight tends to get respect in the odds, no matter how the rest of the resume reads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the PFL CEO say about the Eblen vs. Van Steenis rematch?

PFL CEO John Martin said the rematch between Johnny Eblen and Costello van Steenis will be the biggest fight in Professional Fighters League history once it takes place.

Why was the Eblen vs. Van Steenis rematch postponed?

The scheduled rematch between Johnny Eblen and Costello van Steenis was postponed due to an injury, according to PFL CEO John Martin.

What happened after Johnny Eblen beat Impa Kasanganay?

After Johnny Eblen defeated Impa Kasanganay to win the interim light heavyweight title, Costello van Steenis climbed into the cage uninvited, leading to a tense confrontation between the two fighters.