Van Steenis Defends PFL Middleweight Title Against Edwards in Madrid Rematch

The Professional Fighters League returns to Spain for PFL Madrid 2026, headlined by a compelling middleweight championship rematch that promises to settle unfinished business between defending champion Costello van Steenis and determined challenger Fabian Edwards.

Spanish fighter van Steenis (17-3-0) will defend his PFL Middleweight World Championship against English contender Edwards (16-4-0) in a five-round title bout at Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid. The contest carries added intrigue as a rematch of their September 2020 encounter in Milan, where van Steenis claimed a controversial split decision victory.

Nearly six years later, the dynamics have shifted significantly in Edwards favor. The English fighter enters as the betting favorite to capture the middleweight crown and exact revenge for his previous defeat. His improved skills and championship experience have transformed him into a formidable threat to van Steenis title reign.

The main card begins at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT), with ESPN Unlimited providing exclusive coverage for subscribers at $29.99 per month. Unlike traditional pay-per-view events, PFL competitions are included within the streaming service subscription, offering significant value for mixed martial arts enthusiasts.

New subscribers can access the ESPN Unlimited bundle featuring Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 monthly, providing comprehensive entertainment options beyond combat sports. The service encompasses all ESPN networks including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, and ESPN+.

The compelling undercard features several high-stakes encounters across multiple weight divisions. Former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee faces Ádám Borics in what promises to be an explosive striking battle between two of the division most dynamic athletes.

Welterweight contenders Franco Tenaglia and Yassin Najid will compete for positioning within their respective divisional rankings, while women strawweight competitors Jacinta Austin and Benita van Rooij seek to establish themselves as championship contenders.

Heavyweight veterans Linton Vassell and José Augusto Azevedo round out the main card, bringing experience and knockout power that could produce spectacular finishing sequences.

The preliminary card commencing at 1 p.m. ET showcases emerging talent across six additional contests, providing developmental opportunities for fighters seeking main card positioning. Notable prelim action includes bantamweight matchups featuring Kevin Cordero versus Luciano Pereira and Mattia Giordano against Ernesto Schisano.

Flyweight competitors Rafael Calderón and Borja García will display the technical precision and lightning-fast pace characteristic of the division, while lightweight prospects Gino van Steenis (brother of the champion) and Mark Ewen seek breakthrough victories.

International viewers can access the broadcast through virtual private network services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN, enabling global audiences to witness the championship action regardless of geographical restrictions.

Van Steenis faces significant pressure defending his title on home soil, where Spanish fans will create an electric atmosphere at Palacio Vistalegre. The champion must overcome both Edwards improved skills and the expectations of his passionate supporters who view this as a career-defining moment.

Edwards arrives with momentum and confidence following his recent performances, believing this represents his optimal opportunity to capture PFL gold. His evolution since their first encounter has addressed previous weaknesses while maintaining the aggressive style that made him dangerous initially.

The PFL format unique tournament structure and season-long competition has elevated both fighters profiles, providing them with consistent high-level competition that has sharpened their respective skill sets.

This Madrid showcase represents PFL continued international expansion, bringing elite mixed martial arts competition to passionate European audiences while highlighting the organization global reach and commitment to developing talent worldwide.