MADRID: PFL Madrid culminated in celebrations as Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (18-3) retained the PFL Middleweight World Title in his home country, cementing himself in the history books as the first-ever victor of the main event in Spain’s first major mixed martial arts show.
After a tough back and forth, Van Steenis defeated Fabian Edwards (16-5) for a second time when, in the third round, Edwards shot for a takedown, putting himself in a prime position against the fence for Costello to rain down elbows on Edwards until he was unconscious.
In the co-main event, AJ “Mercenary” McKee (24-2) reminded the world that he is one of the world’s most elite featherweights, with a dominant and well-rounded performance as he picked up a unanimous decision win against Adam “The Kid” Borics (20-4). With momentum on his side, he has put himself in contention for the 145 lb division gold.
Franco “El Rey de la Calle” Tenaglia (6-2) got his hand raised over French opponent Yassin “The Scientist” Najid (9-6) at the Palacio Vistalegre when the doctor had to intervene at the end of round 2. When Tenaglia drove in to finish his takedown, Najid braced and his shoulder dislocated. A former BKFC champion, the Argentine was adored by the Spanish fans in his PFL debut with a big future ahead of him.
Jacinta “The Juggernaut” Austin (9-2) took advantage of the huge stage at PFL Madrid as she secured an impressive first-round knockout victory over Benita van Rooij (7-2). Austin dropped Rooij with a solid right hand followed up with vicious ground-and-pound in a standout performance at strawweight.
In a heavyweight match-up, Linton “The Big Swarm” Vassell (26-10, 1 NC) came to put on a show as he picked up a victory over Jose “Gugu” Augusto (11-6) in the opening bout of the Main Card. After securing the takedown, Vassell followed with heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. At 42 years young, Vassell proves age is nothing but a number.
