“And still.”
That’s how the PFL announcer closed out the promotion’s debut event in Spain.
PFL middleweight champion Costello van Steenis successfully completed his first title defense by defeating Fabian Edwards in a rematch that headlined PFL Madrid on Friday at Palacio Vistalegre in Spain. Van Steenis (18-3) defeated Edwards (13-4) by knockout at the 1:48 mark of Round 3.
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It was a strong showing from the defending champion, who seemed to be winning the fight entering Round 3. Despite being considered the stronger grappler, van Steenis actually looked to keep the fight standing more than Edwards, who attempted and failed on several takedowns throughout the fight.
In Round 3, Edwards went for a double-leg takedown and pressed van Steenis against the cage. It was then that van Steenis unloaded a series of nasty elbows to the side of Edwards’ head, putting him out cold.
You can watch van Steenis’ vicious finish in the video below:
Van Steenis and Edwards had first fought six years ago in 2020. The bout ended by split decision in favor of the Spaniard.
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With this win, van Steenis now finds himself on an impressive four-fight winning streak that includes a knockout win over Edwards, PFL’s 2025 middleweight tournament winner, and a submission win over Johnny Eblen to claim gold. Van Steenis’ last defeat came in 2023. It was a unanimous decision loss to Douglas Lima.
Edwards saw a three-fight winning streak come to an end. He was coming off a big KO win over bitter rival Dalton Rosta to win the 2025 PFL middleweight tournament. Edwards, brother of former UFC champion Leon Edwards, has been unable to avenge defeats in the two rematches he’s fought in his MMA career.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Madrid results: Costello van Steenis KOs Fabian Edwards
