Edwards earned the title alternative after profitable the PFL’s 2025 middleweight event, and was trying to grow to be champion after two defeats by Johnny Eblen for the Bellator middleweight title.
Edwards was additionally trying to be part of brother Leon, a former UFC welterweight champion, as a title holder, however was made to pay for numerous errors.
The occasion was watched by numerous sports activities stars at cageside, together with Actual Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was disregarded of Thomas Tuchel’s newest England squad earlier on Friday.
After walkouts through which a assured Edwards was jeered by the Spanish followers and a determined-looking Van Steenis was roared to the cage, the competition began with the pair buying and selling leg kicks.
In a detailed first spherical, Edwards made his first mistake as Van Steenis reversed the motion on the bottom to finish in high place, regardless of blood pouring from his left eye.
In techniques not often utilized by Edwards, the Briton regarded to assault with takedowns however Van Steenis received the higher of the early exchanges by flipping the momentum to regulate the place the combat went.
When Edwards opted to strike, he regarded quicker and extra harmful than Van Steenis, however one other mistake within the third spherical would show to be his downfall.
Edwards once more continued to wrestle and, whereas attempting to take Van Steenis down towards the cage, the champion delivered a flurry of elbows which pressured the Briton to break down on his knees.
Seeing Edwards was in hassle, the referee stepped in to finish the competition, earlier than Van Steenis put each arms out in celebration and closed his eyes as he soaked in applause from the house followers.
It was made sweeter for the Dutch-Spaniard by profitable in entrance of his dwelling followers within the largest MMA occasion to happen in Spain.
With the UFC but to host an occasion within the Spain, the PFL took benefit when Van Steenis grew to become champion in July by constructing a card round him.
Van Steenis, who grew up round Benidorm earlier than shifting again to the Netherlands, mentioned pre-fight it was a “dream come true” to compete in entrance of his personal followers.
Whereas it was heartbreak for the Edwards brothers, the Van Steenis siblings – which included Costello’s youthful brother Gino securing his personal knockout on the undercard – celebrated a fairytale evening.
“It went precisely as I needed it to,” mentioned Van Steenis.
“I did not try this alone; thanks to the group. That is the very best nation on this planet. We’re the very best nation on this planet.”
Edwards now faces a rebuilding job however has proven his powers of restoration beforehand in his profession.
The PFL doesn’t boast a very deep record of contenders within the middleweight division and some wins would doubtless put Edwards again in title rivalry.
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