Mark your calendars, fight fans, because the PFL is delivering a rematch for the ages. Validation versus redemption—that's the story behind one of the biggest bouts in league history, and it's headed to Austin, Texas.

On Wednesday, the PFL officially announced that middleweight champion Costello van Steenis will defend his title against Johnny Eblen in the main event of PFL Austin on July 18 at the Moody Center. This isn't just any fight; it's a grudge match nearly a year in the making.

Rewind to last July, and you'll recall one of the most stunning comebacks in MMA history. Van Steenis (18-3) was on the brink of defeat, dominated by Eblen (17-1) for over 24 minutes. But with just seconds left in the fifth round, he pulled off the unthinkable—a slick rear-naked choke that forced the tap with 4:51 on the clock. The upset earned van Steenis the PFL middleweight title and was hailed as the 2025 MMA Junkie Comeback of the Year and Submission of the Year.

Since that epic night, both fighters have been on a collision course. Van Steenis proved his win was no fluke by knocking out Fabian Edwards in the third round of their March 20 bout in Madrid. Meanwhile, Eblen rebounded in style, steamrolling Bryan Battle with a first-round submission at PFL Pittsburgh just a week later.

These victories set the stage for a rematch that van Steenis himself said he was hoping for. Now, it's official: one year later, with the belt on the line and everything to prove, these two warriors will settle the score under the bright lights of Austin.

Whether you're rooting for validation or redemption, this is a fight you won't want to miss. Gear up for the action with your favorite fight-night apparel—because when history repeats itself, you'll want to be wearing the best.