Johnny Eblen Demands Revenge After Rag-Dolling Bryan Battle at PFL Pittsburgh

The roar inside the UMPC Events Center had barely settled when Johnny Eblen, still glistening with sweat, turned his victory into a declaration of war. Just moments after treating UFC veteran Bryan Battle like a grappling dummy and securing a first-round submission, Eblen’s gaze was fixed firmly on the past—and the future. His message, screamed into the microphone, was not just for the Pittsburgh crowd but for a champion watching from afar: Costello van Steenis, the man who stole his perfect record and his title, is now squarely in the crosshairs of a vengeful and physically dominant force.

A Main Event Masterclass in Domination

From the opening bell, Johnny Eblen made it abundantly clear that his first professional loss to van Steenis was an anomaly, not a trend. Facing the debuting Bryan Battle, Eblen transformed the PFL Pittsburgh main event into a one-sided wrestling clinic. The former Bellator champion wasted no time, closing the distance and unleashing his elite-level grappling. Battle, a skilled striker, was sent airborne with a series of powerful slams—five in the first two minutes alone—that drew gasps from the audience with each impact.

Eblen’s control was absolute, a reminder of the relentless pressure that once made him an undefeated champion. After securing three more takedowns, he seamlessly transitioned through Battle’s defenses. The end came swiftly as Eblen took the back, sunk in his hooks, and cinched a fight-ending rear-naked choke, forcing Battle to tap at 3:44 of the very first round. The statement was as emphatic as it was quick.

The Road to Revenge: Eblen’s Unfinished Business

The victory itself seemed almost secondary to Eblen’s post-fight mission. The scar of his July loss in South Africa is clearly fresh. In that fateful bout, Eblen was seconds away from a potential decision victory over Costello van Steenis when a perfectly timed knee turned the tide, handing him a dramatic, last-gasp knockout defeat and costing him the PFL middleweight championship.

“I gotta get that belt back,” Eblen stated, his voice dripping with intent. He then addressed the champion directly: “Costello, if you’re f***ing watching, I’m coming for you, baby! Revenge! Let’s go—revenge!” This wasn’t just a callout; it was a primal scream of intent, setting the stage for one of the most compelling rivalries in the sport.

The timing is impeccable. Just last week, van Steenis solidified his reign with a successful first title defense, stopping Fabian Edwards in the third round at PFL Madrid. The narrative for the rematch is now crystal clear: a dominant former champion, hell-bent on redemption, versus a confident titleholder who has already proven he possesses the skill and fortitude to dethrone him.

Expert Analysis: What a Rematch Could Look Like

Eblen’s performance in Pittsburgh answered several critical questions about his mentality and skillset post-loss.

• Psychological Resilience: Eblen showed no hesitation or tentativeness. He fought with the urgency and aggression of a man possessed, demonstrating that the loss did not break his confidence but rather fueled it.
• Wrestling Prowess: His takedowns and top control were suffocating. Against van Steenis, who defended well against takedowns in their first fight, this renewed emphasis on his wrestling base will be a key tactical adjustment.
• Path to Victory: Eblen cannot afford to play a cautious, points-based game in the championship rounds again. His blueprint must involve consistent pressure, mixing his wrestling with his underrated striking to drain van Steenis’s resources earlier in the fight.

For van Steenis, the analysis is equally fascinating. His victory over Eblen was a testament to his clutch factor and technical striking. In the rematch, he must again navigate Eblen’s early storm and find opportunities for his precise, damaging attacks. His ability to stay upright and force Eblen into striking exchanges will be paramount.

Predictions and The Path Forward for the PFL Middleweights

The PFL now sits on a golden opportunity. The Eblen-van Steenis rematch is the biggest fight the organization can make in its middleweight division. Given the history, the dramatic finish of their first encounter, and the palpable bad blood, this bout has all the ingredients for a major headliner, potentially on a PPV stage or a flagship regular-season card.

Prediction for the Rematch: This fight will be a grueling, tactical war that diverges sharply from their first meeting. Expect Eblen to implement a more varied attack, using feints and level changes to secure takedowns earlier. Van Steenis will be prepared for this and will look to make Eblen pay with sharp counters and knees in the clinch. While van Steenis has the proven knockout power, Eblen’s dominant showing suggests he will make the necessary adjustments. The pick is for Eblen to win a hard-fought, grueling decision, reclaiming his title in a classic trilogy-setting victory.

As for Bryan Battle, the loss is a harsh introduction to the elite level of PFL’s middleweight division, but his willingness to step into the deep end against a former champion speaks volumes. He remains a promising talent who will benefit from a step back in competition to refine his defensive grappling.

Conclusion: A Champion’s Mindset, A Challenger’s Hunger

Johnny Eblen did not just win a fight at PFL Pittsburgh; he launched a campaign. By rag-dolling a dangerous opponent like Bryan Battle, he reasserted his physical dominance and sent an unmistakable message to the champion. The loss to Costello van Steenis is now the central driving force of his career. For van Steenis, a champion who thrives in big moments, the challenge of proving his victory was no fluke is equally compelling.

The stage is set for a must-see grudge match that will define the PFL middleweight landscape for the foreseeable future. In one corner, a technically brilliant champion who knows he can finish the job. In the other, a physically imposing former king, armed with a new purpose and a single, thunderous word on his lips: Revenge. The PFL’s 2025 season just found its most explosive storyline.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.