Combat & UFC

Eblen says PFL plans a Bellator-style model focused on US and Europe

Name: Eblen says PFL plans a Bellator-style model focused on US and Europe
Uploaded: 2026-07-22T22:34:00+00:00
Description: 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.

The Ariel Helwani Show · Johnny Eblen on What He's Learned from Sean Strickland, PFL's Future, Why van Steenis 'Is a B*tch' · July 22, 2026

The Ariel Helwani Show

Johnny Eblen on What He's Learned from Sean Strickland, PFL's Future, Why van Steenis 'Is a B*tch'

"Saying that they're in a good place. Okay. And they're gonna definitely focus on the US market, the European market, and it's gonna be run very, very similar to how Bellator was ran. You know, no real tournament structure."

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.

About this episode

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.

Key takeaways

Eblen says PFL initially wanted him to wait until next year to rebook the van Steenis rematch.
He alleges the delay was tied to PFL wanting the fight to land on a new TV deal timeline.
Eblen questioned the severity of van Steenis’ injury after seeing him in Austin doing media and appearing mobile.
Eblen says he pushed for and received an interim-title bout to stay active, rather than sitting out the year.
He describes ‘whispers’ that PFL will focus on US and Europe and run more like Bellator, with limited tournament structure.
Eblen agreed that PFL should avoid competing directly with UFC Saturday events, and suggested ESPN scheduling may be a factor.

More stories More from The Ariel Helwani Show