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Eblen vs. Kasanganay Elevated to Interim PFL Middleweight Title Main Event

The rematch now awards an interim belt to keep title contention moving while champion Costello van Steenis recovers from an injury.

Overview

  • PFL moved Johnny Eblen’s July 18 rematch with Impa Kasanganay to the main event as an interim middleweight title fight after Costello van Steenis withdrew with a reported injury.
  • Both Eblen and Kasanganay cleared championship weight at the official weigh-ins on July 17, making the five-round interim title bout official.
  • Jesus Pinedo missed the featherweight limit by 0.8 pounds and his fight with Joey Ruquet was converted to a 147-pound catchweight with an expected purse fine.
  • Eblen entered the fight at 17-1 with recent momentum and worked with high-profile training partner Sean Strickland, who is reported to be in his corner for the bout.
  • PFL has signaled that the interim winner will be positioned to unify the middleweight belt with van Steenis when the reigning champion returns later in 2026.