Costello van Steenis Shocks Johnny Eblen with the submission of the fifth round in PFL Africa: Cape Towncostello van Steenis Ocnains Johnny Eblen with the last second in PFL Africa: Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa – Professional Fighters League (PFL) has started the inauguration PFL Africa season with a bang in Grand Arena, Grandwest in Cape Town. The event, at the head of a comprehensive return, contained explosive finishes, dominant performances and presentation of growing African talents. Recording the card, Costello “Spaniard” from Steenis he won a wonderful victory for naked chokes over the previously undefeated Johnny “Press” Eblen apply PFL Medium Weight Championship.
Eblen (16-1), a former master, looked ready to win in the decision after the dominance of most of the fivefold fight. But with the righteous 9 seconds remained in the final roundVan Steenis (17-3) turned his fortunes, taking Eblena from the back and blocking in nudity sleepShocking the MMA world in a dramatic finish.
“It never ended. I knew I had to go,” said Van Steenis. “That’s all I worked for.”
Dakota Ditcheva dominates
2024 PFL WOMEN’s FLY weight Dakota “Perilous” Ditcheva (15-0) She continued her invincible run with a unilateral victorious decision over the American distinction Sumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba (8-2). The Star of Great Britain presented the world -class Muay Thai, Głotka Inaba with a mistaken mix of strikes, including knees, elbows and strokes after all three rounds.
“Sumiko is tough, but I had a plan and I got stuck in it,” said Ditcheva after the fight. “I am here to show why I am one of the best in the world.”
The judges won the fight 30-27, 30-27 and dominant 30-24.
AJ Mckee feathers are shining
Former Bellator FEATHER WWWEGHT Master And “Mercenary” Mckee (23-2) He returned to 145 pounds and provided a pure sweeping with Russia Akhmed Magomedov (11-2). Mckee presented a mixture of impact and struggle, dominating in all three rounds to get Unanimous decision (30-27 x3).
Anderson returns to heavyweight with TKO nad Goltsov
Corey “overtime” Anderson (19-6, 1 NC) he received a successful return to the heavyweight department with TKO in the second round over 2024 Heavyweight champion PFL Denis “The Rosyan Bogatyr” Goltsov (36-9). After an early pressure on the weathering, Anderson landed with a brutal shot in the body and followed them to force stopping in 3:28 from the second round.
Dagestan’s Zaynukov is dominated by Izumi
Rising Dagestani Grappler Artur Zaynukov (16-4) Put on a wrestling clinic against Japan Takeshi Izumi (6-4). Training partner of masters such as Khabib and Islam Makhachev, Zaynukov secured his removal at will and controlled each round to win 30-27 Unanimous decision around the world.
2025 PFL Africa Tournament: Bantamweight & Heavywe semi -final
After a night of high rates duels, Wadzka Bantam AND Heavyweight semi -finals At the PFL Africa tournament is now set:
Bantamweight semi -finals:
Lord Ekebele (9-3) vs. Power Hokina (6-0)
Boule of godogo (4-0) vs. Karim Hennine (5-0)
Heavyweight semi -finals:
Maxewell because of the upcoming (7-1) vs. Justin Clarke (3-0)
Joffie Houlon (8-4) vs. Abraham Babrele (6-2)
Next stop: Johannesburg
. 2025 PFL Africa Tournament continues Saturday, August 9 on Substantial Top Arena, Carnival City IN JohannesburgWhere pretenders for a featherweight and welterweight will compete in their duels in the first round. Fans in the USA can catch the whole action live PFL application.
Full fight results – PFL Champions Series: Cape Town
Main card
Costello van steenis def. Johnny Ebtlen by Submitted job (Choke on the back) -r5, 4:51
Dana White has slammed Islam
Makhachev’s activity.
After defending his title against Ian Garry in
August, Makhachev called for another title defense before Ramadan
2027. The Dagestani even singled out Carlos
Prates as his next challenger. According to the
Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO, the matchup was verbally
agreed for UFC
336 on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto before
Makhachev changed his mind.
Dana White claims Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates was
‘verbally agreed'
While White doesn't expect Makhachev to fight three times a year at
this stage in his career, he would like him to fight at least twice
a year.
“That was verbally agreed to… I like when guys fight a lot,†White
said during a media scrum captured by TheMacLife. “Being a
champion, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year.
But twice would be nice. It backs up the division; there are many
guys who would like a shot at the title.â€
Makhachev (29-1) hasn't fought more than twice a year since 2022.
Prates (24-7) and unbeaten welterweight contender Michael
Morales (19-0) are now set to contest interim gold at UFC 336,
with the winner set to fight Makhachev after Ramadan.
Islam Makhachev has followed Khabib Nurmagomedov's footsteps in more ways than one, and that might include how he decides to end his fighting career.
Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's close friend and mentor, memorably retired in October 2020 following a win over Justin Gaethje that marked his third straight defense of the UFC lightweight title and improved his flawless record to 29-0. Afterwards, Nurmagomedov declared he was done with fighting, citing a promise to his mother that he would no longer fight with the recent passing of his father, legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Now, Makhachev is making a similar vow.
“My mother has always been against me fighting,†Makhachev told Red Corner MMA at the Sambo World Championship event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. “I've always listened to my mother, so soon I will obey her word.â€
Like Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has carved out an unassailable legacy in MMA. The 35-year-old recorded his first successful welterweight title defense by defeating Ian Machado Garry this past August at UFC 330, and holds the record for the most consecutive successful title defenses in the lightweight division with four. He has won 17 straight fights since losing to Adriano Martins in his second UFC appearance, and holds a pro record of 29-1.
Makhachev's next challenger will be determined by an interim title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 336 in January, and after he faces the winner, he's still not sure when exactly he'll make a decision on his final fight.
“There's no number,†Makhachev said. “I am just reaching the finish line. There aren't many things that could give me motivation in this sport. I'm at the finish line. I just want to fight the contenders, but I don't see any new names.â€
Makhachev has received criticism for not facing neither Prates nor Morales in January, instead letting one of the challengers remove the other from the equation. Asked which fighter presents a bigger threat to his championship reign, Makhachev sounded unworried.
“It's a good fight and I think both of them deserve a title shot,†Makhachev said. “That's why I would like to see which of them is more deserving. We'll find out in January.â€
“They are both good,†he added. “They are both punchers. Although, I wouldn't say either of them is a threat for me. I am a bad matchup for them stylistically.â€
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