Johnny Eblen joined Ariel Helwani after scoring back-to-back stoppage wins and discussed the stalled title-unification rematch with Costello van Steenis. Eblen said he was frustrated when van Steenis withdrew from their scheduled bout, and he questioned the severity of the injury after seeing him present in Austin, walking around and doing media. Eblen also described lingering animosity, saying he is not cordial with van Steenis and felt slighted by post-fight remarks following their previous meeting.
Eblen offered a detailed account of negotiations with the promotion, saying PFL initially wanted him to wait until next year to run the rematch, which he believes would align with a new TV deal. He said he pushed for an interim-title fight to stay active and that PFL ultimately booked him against Impa Kasanganay, a matchup he framed as both risky and worthwhile.
Beyond his own situation, Eblen shared what he called ‘whispers’ about PFL’s longer-term direction: a stronger focus on US and European cards and an approach ‘very similar’ to Bellator, with less emphasis on tournament formats. He also agreed with Helwani that going head-to-head with UFC Saturday nights is strategically difficult, and suggested scheduling may be influenced by ESPN until PFL secures a new media arrangement.
Asked what he is hearing ‘boots on the ground’ about PFL’s direction, Johnny Eblen said ‘whispers’ suggest the promotion will prioritise the US and European markets and operate more like Bellator, with little or no tournament structure. He added that if tournaments happen, he expects a straightforward bracket rather than a points system.
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