Costello Van Steenis is preparing for a potentially historic moment in Spanish mixed martial arts this Saturday in Cape Town. The fighter known as "The Spaniard" will challenge Johnny Eblen for the PFL middleweight championship, with a chance to become only the second world MMA champion from Spain.
"We're going to do it. I'll win the PFL belt and my next mission is to bring PFL to Spain. A major league needs to come to Spain now. MMA is very big here and we need a major league to come. What can I do to make that happen? Win the belt," Van Steenis stated in an interview last June.
Johnny Eblen stands as a formidable obstacle in Van Steenis' path. The American champion boasts an impressive 16-0 professional record and has already defended his title against Fabian Edwards, brother of UFC contender Leon Edwards.
What makes Eblen particularly dangerous is his training environment. He works daily alongside UFC stars like Sean Strickland, Dustin Poirier, and Jorge Masvidal at the renowned American Top Team gym – one of the best MMA facilities in the world.
The significance of this bout extends beyond personal achievement for Van Steenis. Following Ilia Topuria's recent UFC championship success, a victory would establish Spain as an emerging force in global MMA, with champions in two of the sport's leading promotions.
South Africa will once again serve as the backdrop for a potentially monumental Spanish sporting achievement. Can Van Steenis shock the world and dethrone the undefeated champion? The Spanish fighter carries the hopes of a nation into the cage this Saturday, with ambitions that extend beyond just winning a belt – he wants to transform Spain's MMA landscape entirely.
