Johnny Eblen Wins PFL Austin Interim Middleweight Title

Eblen Heads to Interim Glory with a Third‑Round Knockout

Johnny Eblen returned to the champion’s podium after dispatching Impa Kasanganay in the main event of PFL Austin at the Moody Center. The two fighters previously clashed two years earlier in Riyadh, where Eblen eked out a split‑decision victory. This night, however, the result was decidedly more decisive. After a bruising two‑round exchange, Eblen landed a hard elbow that rocked Kasanganay, then followed up with three brutal strikes that sent his opponent sprawling. The referee stepped in promptly, awarding Eblen a third‑round knockout and the interim middleweight crown.

Gearing Up for a Rematch with Costello Van Steenis

With the belt in hand, Eblen now eyes a potential showdown against Costello Van Steenis, the current division champion who ended “Pressure’s” unbeaten streak in July 2025. The two were slated to clash again at this very event, but Van Steenis withdrew due to injury. Eblen’s victory sets up a compelling sequel that could reshape the middleweight landscape. The spotlight will remain on whether Van Steenis returns in time or if another challenger emerges.

Complete Card Highlights from PFL Austin

• 185 lbs.: Johnny Eblen defeats Impa Kasanganay via third‑round knockout
• 135 lbs.: Rafael do Nascimento defeats Lewis McGrillen via second‑round rear‑naked choke submission
• 145 lbs.: Julio Arce defeats Caolan Loughran by unanimous decision
• 145 lbs.: Jesus Pinedo stops Levy Saul Marroquin in the first round by TKO
• 155 lbs.: Gamid Khizriev submits Biaggio Ali Walsh in the first round with a twister
• 125 lbs.: Aleksandra Savicheva claims a split‑decision win over Andrea Vazquez
• 125 lbs.: Ashley Thiner outpoints Mia Grawe by unanimous decision
• 145 lbs.: Jackson Glass ends Zak Flessas in the opening round by TKO
• 125 lbs.: Victoria Alba forces a third‑round TKO over Borena Tsertsvadze

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