PFL Madrid results: Costello van Steenis knocks out Fabian Edwards in historic event in Spain PFL Madrid results: Costello van Steenis scores brutal knockout and defends title in historic tournament in Spain
History was made in Spain when the Professional Fighters League staged a memorable evening of fighting in front of a roaring crowd at the Palacio Vistalegre.
Headlining the landmark event, hometown hero Costello van Steenis delivered a dramatic finish to defend his championship and become the first fighter to win the main event of a major MMA event in Spain.
“Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (18-3) defended his PFL middleweight world title in his home country, making a mark in the history books as the first-ever winner of the main event of the first major MMA event in Spain.”
Facing rival Fabian Edwards for the second time, van Steenis survived the competitive battle before ending the program in devastating fashion.
“After a tough back-and-forth, Van Steenis defeated Fabian Edwards (16-5) for the second time when Edwards scored a takedown in the third round, positioning himself in perfect position against the fence for Costello to throw elbows at Edwards until he was unconscious.”
The decisive break in the match sent the Madrid crowd into jubilation, with van Steenis cementing his position among the Premier League’s top champions.
AJ McKee dominates the Co-Main Event
Former Bellator champion AJ McKee reminded fans why he remains one of the most hazardous featherweights in the world after a dominant victory over Ádám Borics.
“AJ “Mercenary” McKee (24-2) reminded the world that he is one of the most elite featherweights in the world with a dominant and all-around performance, defeating Ádám “The Kid” Borics (20-4) by unanimous decision. With momentum on his side, he is in the fight for 145-pound gold.”
McKee’s victory could move him closer to another world title shot as the PFL featherweight division continues to gain momentum.
Franco Tenaglia wins dramatic PFL debut
Argentine player Franco Tenaglia put in a powerful performance in his first promotion appearance against Frenchman Yassin Najid.
“Franco “El Rey de la Calle” Tenaglia (6-2) had his arm raised over French opponent Yassin “The Scientist” Najid (9-6) at Palacio Vistalegre when the doctor had to intervene behind schedule in Round 2. As Tenaglia drove in to complete the takedown, Najid tensed and his shoulder dislocated.”
“The former BKFC champion Argentine was adored by Spanish fans in his PFL debut and had a great future ahead of him.”
Jacinta Austin delivers a knockout when it matters most
Strawweight prospect Jacinta Austin made a huge statement with one of the most explosive finishes of the night against Benita van Rooij.
“Jacinta “The Juggernaut” Austin (9-2) took advantage of the huge stage at PFL Madrid to secure an impressive first-round knockout victory over Benita van Rooij (7-2). “Austin dropped Rooija with a solid right hand and then a vicious ground pound in an outstanding strawweight performance.”
Linton Vassell proves that age is just a number
Veteran heavyweight Linton Vassell opened the main card with authority against Jose Augusto.
“In the heavyweight bout, Linton “The Large Swarm” Vassell (26-10, 1 NC) put on a show, defeating Jose “Gugu” Augusto (11-6) by TKO in the first fight of the main card.”
“After securing the takedown, Vassell landed ponderous ground strikes, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. At 42 years elderly, Vassell proves that age is just a number.”
Main Card
Costello van Steenis’ finale. Fabian Edwards by KO (elbows), round 3, 1:48
AJ McKee def. Ádám Borics via unanimous decision
Franco Tenaglia def. Yassin Najid via TKO (doctor stoppage), round 2
Jacinta Austin finals Benita van Rooij by KO, round 1
Linton Vassell def. Jose Augusto by TKO, round 2
Introductory card
Luciano Pereira def. Kevin Cordero by KO, round 1
Borja Garcia def. Rafael Calderon via unanimous decision
Gino van Steenis def. Marek Ewen by KO, round 1
Mattia Giordano def. Ernesto Schisano via unanimous decision
Claudio Pacella def. David Mora via unanimous decision
Ignacio Campos def. Mathys Duragrin via unanimous decision
Raoni
Barcelos says medical testing has yet to determine why he lost
consciousness during his
Ultimate Fighting Championship headliner against Raul Rosas
Jr.
Barcelos faced Rosas Jr. in the main event of
UFC Vegas 121 last month. The Brazilian led on the judges'
scorecards entering the fifth round but lost consciousness during a
grappling exchange against the fence. Rosas Jr. was awarded a
technical knockout victory, and the 39-year-old Barcelos was
transported to a Level 1 trauma center.
Raoni Barcelos undergoes medical tests after losing
consciousness against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121
Barcelos said he is undergoing tests in Las Vegas to determine what
happened. He hopes to continue fighting but has not ruled out
retirement.
“Unfortunately, we don't know what happened,†Barcelos told MMA
Fighting. “It was a sudden illness. I fell ill and I felt my whole
body really starting to go numb. After that, I don't remember
anything. I only remember [arriving] in the ambulance, asking my
father what happened, and him trying to explain it as best as he
could. It really was an unfortunate [circumstance]. I got sick and
to this day we still don't understand. I'm undergoing a battery of
tests here in [Las] Vegas. I had another on Monday and we're
waiting for a good result. The doctor hasn't released the results
yet and everything is being kept confidential. But I feel better
every day.â€
Barcelos (22-6) entered the bout on a five-fight winning streak. He
has competed in the UFC since 2018, compiling an 11-5 promotional
record with victories over Said
Nurmagomedov, Cody
Garbrandt and Payton
Talbott.
Raoni
Barcelos is still waiting for a diagnosis after his mysterious
health scare: “We don't know what happened. It was a sudden
illness. I fell ill, and I felt my whole body really starting to go
numb. After that, I don't remember anything.” (🎥 @guicruzzz)
https://t.co/dVJzTkkBkl
Darren Till gets honest about his performance in win over Yoel Romero
Jasmine Jasudavicius is looking to cement herself as a title contender at UFC Edmonton.
Jasudavicius is set to take on Erin Blanchfield in the co-main event of UFC Edmonton. Jasudavicius enters the bout as a +255 underdog while the American is a -350 favorite on FanDuel. The fight was supposed to happen at UFC 330 in August, but an injury to Blanchfield delayed it to August. Although the Canadian was frustrated to have the fight postponed, she is ecstatic for it to be taking place in Edmonton now.
“That is exactly it. It was like two weeks out that I heard it was being moved,†Jasudavicius said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “Initially, I was so frustrated because I just put in a whole camp. I was ready, my weight was good, and I was firing on all cylinders. It got moved, and at least we are fighting in Canada now. This works out even better.â€
With extra time, Jasudavicius said she did take some time off to avoid burnout. But she also feels like the extra time will only help her, as she knows Blanchfield is one of the best in the world.
“She's talented; she's one of the top fighters in the world. I won't be talking too much shit. She's skilled, but I know how skilled I am, and I am ready to test myself against the best girls in the world,†Jasudavicius said.
Jasmine Jasudavicius hopeful to earn title shot at UFC Edmonton
Although Jasudavicius is an underdog, she has full confidence in her skillset. She believes she is better on the feet. So, she expects Blanchfield to try and wrestle her a ton, especially once she lands a couple of punches.
If Jasudavicius can turn Blanchfield into just a wrestler, she is confident she will be able to pull off the upset win at UFC Edmonton.
“I'm not too sure. I've watched all of her fights, and it's not like she's going to the wrestling right away; she is comfortable with striking. But I do think once she feels these hands, she will be shooting a little bit more. … My hand will be raised at the end of the night,†Jasudavicius said.
If Jasudavicius gets her hand raised, she believes it will cement her as a title contender at flyweight. And, it would set up a rematch with Natalia Silva, which the Canadian would be thrilled to get the chance to not only avenge her loss, but to take the belt off her.
“It would mean a lot; it's a big milestone,†Jasudavicius concluded. “Just getting into the UFC is a big deal; getting 10 fights in the UFC is a big deal; to get 10 wins is another feather in my cap. … That would be my dream. She gave me the lost which hurt, so if I can take the belt off her, it would fulfill me. I show well, say I finish Blanchfield, it would be me in the talks to get a title shot.â€
Do you think Jasmine Jasudavicius will beat Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton?
I know a lot of folks are looking ahead to UFC 333 next weekend, but up here in CANADA we're stoked for UFC Edmonton this Saturday, headlined by Joaquin Buckley vs. Mike Malott.
OK, “stoked†might be overselling it a tad, but this card is not for you hosers! It's Canada vs. The World, with a ton of pressure on Malott to prove he's the real deal after being handed a top-10 opponent in Buckley. Time to deliver.