Costello Van Steenis Retains PFL Middleweight World Title In Stunning Fashion On Home Turf

PFL Madrid culminates in celebrations as Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (18-3) retains the PFL Middleweight World Title in his home country, cementing himself in the history books as the first ever victor of the main event in Spain’s first major MMA show.

After a tough back and forth, Van Steenis defeated Fabian Edwards (16-5) for a second time when in the third round, Edwards shot for a takedown, putting himself in a prime position against the fence for Costello to rain down elbows on Edwards until he was unconscious.

In the Co-Main Event, AJ “Mercenary” McKee (24-2) reminded the world that he is one of the world’s most elite featherweights, with a dominant and well-rounded performance as he picked up a unanimous decision win against Ádám “The Kid” Borics (20-4). With momentum on his side, he puts himself in contention for the 145 lb gold.

Franco “El Rey de la Calle” Tenaglia (6-2) got his hand raised over French opponent Yassin “The Scientist” Najid (9-6) at the Palacio Vistalegre when the doctor had to intervene at the end of round 2. When Tenaglia drove in to finish his takedown, Najid braced and his shoulder dislocated. A former BKFC Champion, the Argentine was adored by the Spanish fans in his PFL debut with a big future ahead of him.

Jacinta “The Juggernaut” Austin (9-2) took advantage of the huge stage at PFL Madrid as she secured an impressive first-round knockout victory over Benita van Rooij (7-2). Austin dropped Rooij with a solid right hand followed up with vicious ground-and-pound in a standout performance at strawweight.

In a heavyweight match-up, Linton “The Big Swarm” Vassell (26-10, 1 NC) came to put on a show as he picked up a TKO victory over Jose “Gugu” Augusto (11-6) in the opening bout of the Main Card. After securing the takedown, Vassell followed with heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. At 42 years young, Vassell proves age is nothing but a number.

Full PFL Madrid Results:

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)

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