PFL CEO declares postponed Eblen-Van Steenis rematch biggest fight in promotion's history

PFL CEO John Martin has declared the postponed rematch between Johnny Eblen and Costello van Steenis the most significant fight the promotion has ever staged, pointing to a volatile rivalry that spilled beyond the cage earlier this summer.

In an interview posted by the PFL on X, Martin reflected on the sequence of events that ignited the feud. After Eblen defeated Impa Kasanganay to claim the interim middleweight title, van Steenis unexpectedly climbed into the cage — a moment Martin admitted left him rattled.

“That was a skirmish in the cage afterwards when Costello unexpectedly climbed in,” Martin said. “And I got a little nervous.” He also recalled Eblen turning to him in the moment and saying, “I’m going after him right now,” to which Martin replied: “Alright, please, because I’m the one that’s going to end up getting hurt in this.”

Martin left little doubt about how he views the matchup’s commercial and sporting weight. “That fight, when that happens, that is going to be the biggest fight in the history of the PFL,” he said. “Those guys do not like each other.”

The animosity has a clear origin. Eblen and van Steenis first met in July 2025, when van Steenis secured a late submission victory — the only defeat of Eblen’s career to date. A title unification rematch was subsequently scheduled, but an injury forced a postponement before the two could settle the score.

Martin’s comments suggest the PFL remains fully committed to rescheduling the bout and views it as a flagship event for the promotion. With genuine animosity, a title on the line, and an unresolved rivalry, the stakes for whenever the rematch does materialise are considerable.