---
title: "Van Steenis-Eblen Rematch Set for PFL Austin"
description: "Costello van Steenis defends his middleweight title against Johnny Eblen on July 18 at Moody Center."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/costello-van-steenis-vs-johnny-eblen-championship-rematch-s-mougidic
published: 2026-05-06T17:00:00+00:00
updated: 2026-05-06T19:54:38.08+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["mma"]
---

# Van Steenis-Eblen Rematch Set for PFL Austin

> Costello van Steenis defends his middleweight title against Johnny Eblen on July 18 at Moody Center.

Costello van Steenis will defend his PFL middleweight title against Johnny Eblen in a rematch on July 18 at Moody Center in Austin.

## Why this matters

The highly anticipated rematch between van Steenis and Eblen is set to take place at PFL Austin, with the middleweight title on the line.

## Frequently asked

### When is Costello van Steenis vs. Johnny Eblen 2?

The rematch is scheduled for July 18 at PFL Austin. MMA Fighting reported that promotional officials announced the bout Wednesday, with Costello van Steenis defending the PFL middleweight title against Johnny Eblen in the main event at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

### Where will PFL Austin take place?

PFL Austin will take place at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The venue detail comes from MMA Fighting’s report on the promotion’s announcement. The main card is expected to air on ESPN2, giving the title rematch a national television slot.

### What happened in the first van Steenis vs. Eblen fight?

Costello van Steenis won the PFL middleweight title from Johnny Eblen by comeback submission in the main event of PFL Africa this past July, according to MMA Fighting. That finish is the central reason this rematch carries extra weight.

### Why is the rematch important for Johnny Eblen?

For Eblen, the rematch is a direct chance to repair the first result and restore his standing as an elite middleweight. He does not need a long rebuilding route if he beats van Steenis for the title. The stakes are immediate and clear.

## Sources & Citations

- [Costello van Steenis vs. Johnny Eblen championship rematch set for PFL Austin](https://www.mmafighting.com/pfl/486608/costello-van-steenis-vs-johnny-eblen-championship-rematch-set-for-pfl-austin) — MMA Fighting (SBN) (2026-05-06)

---

Cite: Van Steenis-Eblen Rematch Set for PFL Austin. Sportopod, 2026-05-06. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/costello-van-steenis-vs-johnny-eblen-championship-rematch-s-mougidic