Costello van Steenis has etched his name in martial arts history, becoming a world champion following one of the most astonishing submission finishes witnessed in recent memory.
In the main event of PFL Africa on Saturday, the seasoned Bellator veteran snatched the PFL 185-pound championship from the previously unblemished Johnny Eblen (16-1). This pivotal victory arrived precisely when Van Steenis needed it most, as he was potentially on the verge of a decision loss, trailing 39-37 on two judges` scorecards entering the final moments of Round 5.
“Nobody`s as strong as Jonny in the first or second round,” Van Steenis declared. “Strongest guy I`ve ever trained before with, but man, everybody`s got a gas tank. So do I. But I gave my life for this sh*t. Twelve years in the professional business, started really young, made some mistakes, 16-3, but if you see the three losses, it was just too early for me. I was fighting legends. Well, I guess I`m a f*cking legend now, am I?”
The official stoppage occurred at 4 minutes and 51 seconds into the fifth and final round.
The Battle Unfolds: Eblen`s Early Dominance
From the onset, Eblen`s renowned wrestling and relentless pressure were evident. He dominated the initial rounds, consistently taking Van Steenis to the canvas. In the first round, Eblen delivered heavy ground and pound, maintaining control. The second round saw Eblen attempt a rear-naked choke, a precursor to the method of his eventual defeat.
The Tide Turns: Van Steenis Fights Back
The momentum began to shift in the third round. Van Steenis successfully kept the fight standing for longer periods, allowing his striking game to flourish. While Eblen continued to rely on his wrestling to mitigate the threat, the contest remained closely contested on the scorecards.
By the fourth round, Van Steenis had clearly gained the upper hand. A well-placed low kick even caused Eblen to stumble to the mat. Towards the end of the round, Van Steenis unleashed a flurry of strikes, pinning Eblen against the cage.
The Dramatic Climax: A Fifth-Round Finish
Despite Eblen`s success in holding Van Steenis down for parts of the fifth round, his fatigue was palpable. Seizing a crucial opening, Van Steenis deftly reversed position, securing Eblen`s back. He then expertly applied a rear-naked choke. Despite Eblen`s valiant efforts to survive until the final bell, he ultimately succumbed, losing consciousness, prompting the referee to intervene and stop the bout.
Impact on Records and Legacy
This dramatic loss marks the first defeat of Johnny Eblen`s professional career, ending his impressive streak of four consecutive title fight victories. For Costello van Steenis, this marks his third consecutive win and, after more than a decade as a professional, he can finally proudly claim a championship belt.
Oliver Croft