Fabian Edwards Targets PFL Belt in Revenge Against Costello van Steenis

Fabian Edwards will challenge Costello van Steenis for the PFL middleweight title in the main event at PFL Madrid on Friday. Edwards hopes to avenge a razor-close split decision loss from 2020. He entered that original bout with a perfect 9-0 professional record.

Background of the rivalry

The first meeting came in 2020 and ended in a split decision for van Steenis. Edwards has said he believed he deserved the nod that night. Six years later, the two meet with the belt on the line.

Edwards’ career since the loss

Edwards changed his approach to fighting in recent seasons. He stopped obsessing over outcomes and focused on performance. That shift produced a 3-0 run in 2025, including two knockout victories.

Earlier in his career, Edwards challenged Johnny Eblen twice for titles when Eblen held the Bellator crown. Eblen holds two wins over Edwards.

Van Steenis’ title path

Costello van Steenis captured the middleweight title with an improbable finish in July. He was behind on the scorecards before securing a rear-naked choke on Johnny Eblen. The submission came with less than a minute remaining.

That comeback earned wide attention. Still, Edwards plans to prepare for all possible tactics rather than be impressed by the late rally alone.

Game plan and expectations

Edwards told Filmogaz.com he has re-studied van Steenis’ style. He says feel and speed are constants he already experienced. That familiarity reduces the element of surprise for the rematch.

He expects van Steenis to mix striking and grappling. Edwards pointed to other strikers, like Impa Kasanganay, who still clinched and wrestled in their fights. He plans to be ready for those transitions.

What a win would mean

Edwards aims to take the PFL belt and even the rivalry score. He hopes a stoppage will settle unfinished business. After Madrid, he envisions facing returning contenders.

A week after PFL Madrid, Johnny Eblen is booked to face Bryan Battle in Pittsburgh. If Eblen wins, he would likely press for another title shot. Edwards sees an ideal path that includes beating van Steenis, then defending the belt against Eblen.

• Edwards entered the first fight 9-0.
• The 2020 result was a split decision for van Steenis.
• Van Steenis won the title in July via rear-naked choke on Johnny Eblen.
• Edwards posted a 3-0 record in 2025 with two KOs.
• Johnny Eblen holds two wins over Edwards and faces Bryan Battle next in Pittsburgh.