After a tough back and forth, Van Steenis defeated Fabian Edwards (16-5) for a second time when in the third round, Edwards shot for a takedown, putting himself in a prime position against the fence for Costello to rain down elbows on Edwards until he was unconscious.
In the Co-Main Event, AJ “Mercenary” McKee (24-2) reminded the world that he is one of the world’s most elite featherweights, with a dominant and well-rounded performance as he picked up a unanimous decision win against Ádám “The Kid” Borics (20-4). With momentum on his side, he puts himself in contention for the 145 lb gold.
Franco “El Rey de la Calle” Tenaglia (6-2) got his hand raised over French opponent Yassin “The Scientist” Najid (9-6) at the Palacio Vistalegre when the doctor had to intervene at the end of round 2. When Tenaglia drove in to finish his takedown, Najid braced and his shoulder dislocated. A former BKFC Champion, the Argentine was adored by the Spanish fans in his PFL debut with a big future ahead of him.
Jacinta “The Juggernaut” Austin (9-2) took advantage of the huge stage at PFL Madrid as she secured an impressive first-round knockout victory over Benita van Rooij (7-2). Austin dropped Rooij with a solid right hand followed up with vicious ground-and-pound in a standout performance at strawweight.
In a heavyweight match-up, Linton “The Big Swarm” Vassell (26-10, 1 NC) came to put on a show as he picked up a TKO victory over Jose “Gugu” Augusto (11-6) in the opening bout of the Main Card. After securing the takedown, Vassell followed with heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. At 42 years young, Vassell proves age is nothing but a number.
Full PFL Madrid Results:
PFL Middleweight World Title Main Event: C-Costello van Steenis def. #2-Fabian Edwards by KO (elbows), Round 3, 1:48
Featherweight Co-Main Event: #2-AJ McKee def. #4-Adam Borics by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Welterweight Bout: Franco Tenaglia def. Yassin Najid by TKO (doctor stoppage), Round 2, 5:00
Women’s Strawweight Bout: Jacinta Austin def. Benita Van Rooij by KO, Round 1, 2:40
Heavyweight Bout: #4-Linton Vassell def. Jose Augusto by TKO (punches), Round 2, 2:48
Preliminary Card:
Bantamweight Bout: Luciano Pereira def. Kevin Cordero by knockout (punch), Round 1, 2:10
Flyweight Bout: Borja Garcia def. Rafael Calderon by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight Bout: Gino van Steenis def. Mark Ewen by knockout (punch), Round 1, 2:43
Bantamweight Bout: Mattia Giordano def. Ernesto Schisano by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
165-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Claudio Pacella def. David Mora by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Featherweight Bout: Ignacio Campos def. Mathys Duragrin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)