Costello van Steenis has claimed a world championship in a stunning display, securing one of the most unexpected submission victories seen in professional mixed martial arts recently.
The seasoned fighter, a veteran from Bellator, seized the PFL 185-pound championship at the PFL Africa main event on Saturday. He achieved this by submitting the previously unblemished Johnny Eblen (now 16-1) via a late choke. This decisive finish was critical for van Steenis, who was trailing on the scorecards—Eblen led 39-37 on two judges` cards after four rounds—as the clock wound down in the fifth and final round.
In his post-fight interview, van Steenis remarked on his opponent`s initial dominance: “Nobody`s as strong as Johnny in the first or second round. Strongest guy I`ve ever trained with.” However, he quickly added, underscoring his resilience, “But everyone`s got a gas tank. So do I. I gave my life for this. Twelve years in the professional business, started really young, made some mistakes, 16-3, but if you see the three losses, it was just too early for me. I was fighting legends. Well, I guess I`m a legend now, aren`t I?”
The bout officially concluded at 4 minutes and 51 seconds into the fifth round.
Throughout the initial rounds, Eblen showcased his relentless wrestling and constant pressure, setting a furious pace and frequently taking van Steenis to the canvas. In the first round, Eblen delivered powerful punches to van Steenis while maintaining dominant top control. The second round saw Eblen even attempting a rear-naked choke—a subtle, ironic precursor to how the fight would ultimately end.
The momentum began to shift in the third round. Van Steenis successfully kept the fight standing for extended periods, allowing his striking to become a significant factor. Eblen, in response, reverted to his wrestling tactics to neutralize van Steenis`s offense, ensuring the scores remained tight.
By the fourth round, van Steenis had visibly seized the upper hand. A forceful low kick caused Eblen to stumble to the ground, and as the round concluded, van Steenis overwhelmed Eblen with a rapid succession of strikes against the cage.
In the fifth round, Eblen managed to control van Steenis on the ground for a time, yet his pace had clearly diminished. Seizing a fleeting moment, van Steenis executed a decisive reversal, securing Eblen`s back. Without hesitation, the challenger locked in a tight rear-naked choke. Despite Eblen`s valiant efforts to survive until the final bell, he eventually lost consciousness, compelling the referee to intervene and halt the contest.
This defeat marks the first professional loss for Johnny Eblen, ending his impressive streak of four consecutive title defense victories. For Costello van Steenis, this triumphant performance extends his winning streak to three, finally culminating in a championship belt after more than a decade since turning professional.
