Johnny Eblen Seeks Rematch for PFL Middleweight Title
After an unexpected defeat earlier this month, Johnny Eblen is eager for a rematch to reclaim his PFL middleweight title. At the PFL Africa event on July 19, Eblen suffered a shocking loss to Costello van Steenis, who turned the tide in the final moments with a last-minute submission that left Eblen unconscious with just seven seconds remaining in their fight. This turn of events was a stark contrast to Eblen’s anticipated victory, marking his first defeat after a long-standing unbeaten streak.
Back-and-Forth Between Fighters
In the aftermath of the match, both fighters have engaged in a back-and-forth exchange. Van Steenis, now the champion, has indicated a desire to move on and battle the winner of the upcoming middleweight tournament, which includes competitors like Dalton Rosta and Fabian Edwards. Eblen, however, challenges this notion, expressing his belief that van Steenis is avoiding a rematch.
“If you’re a real man, bro, you’ll run it back with me. I dominated you in the first three rounds. I wouldn’t want to win that way, through a fluke victory.”
The Case for a Rematch
Eblen believes that a rematch is not just warranted but is also the most compelling matchup for PFL at this time. He explained:
“There’s a story behind it. There’s a huge fan base behind it. People want to see that fight again. That’s how you build MMA. An immediate rematch in Spain would be a sellout; it will be an incredible fight that fans want to watch.”
The fighter has made it clear that he would welcome any fight to remain active, as he feels the pressure of time as a 33-year-old competitor.
Inactivity and Future Goals
Since his title defense in October against Fabian Edwards, where he had previously established his dominance over the division, Eblen has been relatively inactive. Last year, he managed to fight twice, which is not ideal considering the standard pacing of three to five fights per year that many fighters maintain. Despite this, he remains focused on his goal: to fight the best and to do so frequently.
Over recent months, Eblen has voiced concerns about inactivity and the treatment of Bellator champions within the PFL framework. Although some speculation arose regarding a potentially negative perception within PFL following his recent loss, he maintains that he feels supported and respected by the organization.
“I feel like PFL likes me. They take care of me, and I’m happy being there. I have a good relationship with them, and things have been really positive.”
Conclusion
Ultimately, Johnny Eblen is in pursuit of both vengeance and more fights, as he seeks to stay relevant in the fast-paced world of mixed martial arts. While his focus remains on a rematch with van Steenis, he understands the unpredictability of fight scheduling and is prepared to compete against anyone to keep his skills sharpened and career moving forward.
