Combat & UFC

Johnny Eblen says Van Steenis’ withdrawal seemed odd after Austin appearance

Name: Johnny Eblen says Van Steenis’ withdrawal seemed odd after Austin appearance
Uploaded: 2026-07-22T22:01:00+00:00
Description: Johnny Eblen says he doubts the severity of Costello van Steenis’ reported knee injury after van Steenis withdrew from their planned rematch. Eblen says van Steenis looked healthy while attending the Austin event and doing media, but stops short of alleging deception.

The Ariel Helwani Show · Canelo Alvarez IN STUDIO, Johnny Eblen, Fatima Kline IN STUDIO, On The Nose, More | TAHS | 7/22/26 · July 22, 2026

The Ariel Helwani Show

Canelo Alvarez IN STUDIO, Johnny Eblen, Fatima Kline IN STUDIO, On The Nose, More | TAHS | 7/22/26

""The fact that he showed up at the fight, he's walking around, you know, seemed fine. You know, it was a little weird to me.""

Johnny Eblen says he doubts the severity of Costello van Steenis’ reported knee injury after van Steenis withdrew from their planned rematch. Eblen says van Steenis looked healthy while attending the Austin event and doing media, but stops short of alleging deception.

About this episode

Ariel Helwani’s episode is led by an in-studio interview with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, who explains why his previously floated 12 September plan changed. Álvarez says a family matter prevented him from starting camp on schedule, and he now targets 31 October for a fight with Christian Mbilli, adding that the bout is intended for Riyadh and that he does not want another early-morning ringwalk. He also reflects on his Terence Crawford loss, saying his “mind wasn’t there”, and calls it a mistake not to have included a rematch clause.

Earlier, PFL interim middleweight champion Johnny Eblen discusses his win over Impa Kasanganay and claims PFL wanted to delay his rematch with Costello van Steenis until next year, tying the timing to a new TV deal. Eblen also questions the optics of van Steenis attending fight week after withdrawing injured.

In studio later, UFC strawweight contender Fatima Kline recounts a dominant performance over Tabatha Ricci and gives an unusually candid description of anxiety and self-doubt during camp, including working with a UFC sports psychologist and relying on family and faith. The show’s ‘On The Nose’ segment ranges from MMA matchmaking and PFL product critiques to lighter, non-news discussion.

A brief replayed clip features Ryan Garcia discussing why his title defence was matched with Conor Benn rather than other opponents.

Key takeaways

Canelo Alvarez says a family issue delayed his planned September schedule and he is targeting 31 October for Christian Mbilli.
Álvarez says the Mbilli fight is intended to take place in Riyadh, with venue specifics still undecided.
Álvarez says he made a mistake by not including a rematch clause in his Terence Crawford contract and describes being mentally unfocused for the bout.
Johnny Eblen says PFL initially wanted him to wait until next year for a Costello van Steenis rematch and that he pushed to stay active.
Eblen questions the severity/optics of van Steenis’ injury withdrawal after seeing him attend the event.
Fatima Kline says she experienced significant self-doubt before fighting Tabatha Ricci and worked with a UFC sports psychologist.
A replayed segment has Ryan Garcia outlining that he wanted Shakur Stevenson but moved to Conor Benn as the WBC mandatory.

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