PFL Madrid: van Steenis vs. Edwards 2 Preview: Full Fight Card Breakdown

Date: March 20, 2026 Venue: Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid, Spain Broadcast: ESPN+

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) makes its historic debut in Spain, bringing a stacked international fight card to the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid. This event, the first from a major global MMA promotion on Spanish soil, marks a significant milestone in the PFL's 2026 global expansion. Moving away from its traditional tournament format for the global series, the promotion has adopted a new ranking-based system designed to create marquee "super fights." PFL Madrid is the embodiment of this new philosophy, headlined by a highly anticipated PFL Middleweight World Championship rematch and a co-main event that will determine the next challenger for the vacant featherweight throne. With a blend of world champions, elite contenders, and rising local talent, the event promises to be a pivotal moment for the promotion and the burgeoning Spanish MMA scene.

1. PFL Madrid: Full Fight Card

The card is headlined by the PFL Middleweight World Championship bout between Dutch-Spanish champion Costello van Steenis and 2025 PFL Middleweight Tournament winner Fabian Edwards. The co-main event features a critical featherweight title eliminator between former Bellator champion A.J. McKee and dynamic Hungarian striker Ádám Borics.

Main Card (ESPN+)
Weight Class	Fighters	Records	Notes
Middleweight	[C] Costello van Steenis vs. Fabian Edwards	(17-3-0) vs. (16-4-0)	PFL Middleweight World Championship
Featherweight	A.J. McKee vs. Ádám Borics	(23-2-0) vs. (20-3-0)	Featherweight Title Eliminator
Heavyweight	Linton Vassell vs. José Augusto Azevedo	(25-10-0) vs. (11-5-0)
Bantamweight	Kevin Cordero vs. Luciano Pereira	(15-5-0) vs. (15-1-0)
Lightweight	Alexander Shabliy vs. Acoidan Duque	(24-4-0) vs. (15-4-1)
Welterweight	Franco Tenaglia vs. Yassin Najid	(3-1-0) vs. (7-4-0)
Women's Strawweight	Jacinta Austin vs. Benita van Rooij	(8-2-0) vs. (9-2-0)
Preliminary Card (ESPN+)
Flyweight	Rafael Calderón vs. Borja García	(6-2-0) vs. (4-2-0)
Lightweight	Gino van Steenis vs. Mark Ewen	(7-2-0) vs. (7-2-0)
Bantamweight	Reda Abdellaoui vs. Ernesto Schisano	(1-0-0) vs. (4-1-0)
Catchweight (160 lb)	Claudio Pacella vs. David Mora	(6-3-0) vs. (7-5-0)
Featherweight	Ignacio Campos vs. Mathys Duragrin	(4-2-0) vs. (4-2-0)

2. Main Event Breakdown: [C] Costello van Steenis vs. Fabian Edwards 2

The main event is a fascinating and high-stakes rematch for the PFL Middleweight World Championship, pitting the reigning champion Costello van Steenis against the man who won the 2025 PFL Middleweight Tournament, Fabian Edwards. This fight is not just a title unification but a chance for both men to settle a score from their first, razor-thin encounter and establish undeniable supremacy over the division.

The First Encounter: A Contentious Affair in Milan

On September 26, 2020, at Bellator Euro Series 8, van Steenis and Edwards met in an empty arena under COVID-19 restrictions. The bout was a tactical, low-volume affair that ended in a split decision (28-29, 28-27, 29-28) victory for van Steenis, handing Edwards his first professional loss.

The fight's narrative was clear: van Steenis controlled the first two rounds, while Edwards mounted a strong comeback in the third.

Round 1: Van Steenis established his kicking game, landing several low kicks to Edwards's lead leg while effectively managing distance. Two of the three judges scored the round for van Steenis.
Round 2: This was van Steenis's most dominant frame. He secured a takedown, controlled the action, advanced to mount, and nearly finished the fight with a guillotine choke. One judge scored this a 10-8 round for van Steenis.
Round 3: Edwards rallied significantly. After stuffing a takedown, he took van Steenis's back and maintained top position for the majority of the round, earning a 10-8 from one judge and winning the round on all three cards.

The close nature of the fight, combined with the pre-fight animosity, laid the groundwork for an inevitable rematch. Both fighters have evolved significantly since, making this second chapter a far different proposition.

Fighter Analysis: [C] Costello van Steenis (17-3-0)

Since their first meeting, van Steenis has transformed from a tough contender into a world champion, defined by his resilience and finishing ability. Training under the tutelage of MMA legend Gegard Mousasi, he has compiled a 5-1 record, with his only loss coming via decision to the formidable Douglas Lima.

His crowning achievement came in July 2025, when he faced the undefeated wrestling specialist Johnny Eblen for the inaugural PFL Middleweight Championship. After being out-wrestled for large portions of the fight, van Steenis displayed incredible "doggedness, grit, and guts," snatching a rear-naked choke submission with just 10 seconds left in the fifth and final round. This victory showcased a new level of championship mettle and an ability to find a finish under immense pressure.

Van Steenis's evolution is also evident in his other recent performances: a first-round head kick KO against João Vitor Dantas and a second-round Von Flue choke submission over Gregory Babene. These wins demonstrate a versatile and dangerous finishing arsenal. His style is built on a foundation of Dutch kickboxing—characterized by powerful low kicks and a tight guard—complemented by a physically imposing clinch game and a suffocating top game on the mat.

Fighter Analysis: Fabian Edwards (16-4-0)

Fabian "The Assassin" Edwards has also matured significantly since 2020. Training at the elite Team Renegade alongside his brother, UFC Champion Leon Edwards, he has honed his skills against top-tier competition. His path to the title shot was secured by winning the 2025 PFL Middleweight Tournament, culminating in a spectacular head-kick knockout of Dalton Rosta in the final.

Edwards has focused heavily on his anti-wrestling and grappling defense. While elite wrestlers like Johnny Eblen have still found success in taking him down, Edwards has shown impressive athleticism and skill in scrambling back to his feet, denying opponents sustained control. His striking has become more fluid and varied. He operates behind a slick jab and deceptive feints, controlling range effectively. His offensive arsenal now includes a more diverse kicking game and sharp combinations, moving beyond the single, powerful shots that characterized his earlier career. He describes his style as "slick but savage," a fitting description for his blend of technical range management and explosive finishing power.

Stylistic Clash & Paths to Victory

This five-round championship rematch will be a battle of philosophies, with the outcome likely determined by who can impose their preferred range and pace.

Costello van Steenis's Path to Victory: The champion must make this an attritional, physical fight. His strategy should revolve around closing the distance to nullify Edwards's reach advantage. By pressuring forward behind his jab and low kicks, he can force Edwards to the fence, initiating clinch exchanges where his physical strength, dirty boxing, and knees can be most effective. From the clinch, takedowns are the next logical step. On the mat, van Steenis has a clear advantage and can look to drain Edwards's gas tank with ground-and-pound while hunting for submissions. His proven five-round cardio and championship experience give him a significant edge if the fight extends into deep waters.
Fabian Edwards's Path to Victory: The challenger needs to keep this fight in open space. He must utilize constant lateral movement, circling out to stay in the center of the cage and off the fence. His jab and feints will be critical tools for managing distance and disrupting van Steenis's rhythm. Edwards needs to commit to higher-volume striking, throwing two- and three-strike combinations and ending them with low kicks to punish van Steenis's entries. He must avoid being drawn into prolonged grappling exchanges. His primary goal is to defend the initial takedown attempts, create separation, and leverage his superior speed and technical striking to out-point or catch the champion coming in.

Key Variable: The five-round format. In their first fight, Edwards was gaining momentum as the fight ended. With two additional rounds, the question of cardio and durability becomes paramount. Van Steenis has proven he can win in the 25th minute, while Edwards must demonstrate he can maintain his defensive discipline and offensive output for the full duration against a relentless opponent.

3. Co-Main Event Analysis: A. J. McKee vs. Ádám Borics

The co-main event is a phenomenal featherweight clash with immediate and significant title implications. With the PFL Featherweight Championship currently vacant, this bout between the #2 ranked A.J. McKee and the #4 ranked Ádám Borics is a de facto #1 contender fight. The winner will almost certainly face #1 ranked Timur Khizriev for the belt later in 2026.

Fighter Analysis: A. J. McKee (23-2-0)

A.J. "Mercenary" McKee is one of the most dynamic and complete fighters in the sport. A former Bellator Featherweight World Champion with a staggering 18-fight winning streak in that promotion, McKee brings a unique and dangerous skillset to the PFL cage. His recent re-signing with the PFL underscores his commitment to becoming a champion in his new home.

McKee's style is a masterful blend of elite wrestling and unorthodox, creative striking, all guided by a high fight IQ.

Submission Grappling: His submission game is his most potent weapon. He possesses a lethal anticipatory guillotine choke, which he expertly applies to opponents shooting for takedowns. His most famous submission is the "McKee-otine," a modified neck crank/shoulder lock that he used to submit Darrion Caldwell, a move that leverages a body triangle and an underhook to create immense pressure. His wrestling base, instilled by his father Antonio, provides a dominant foundation for controlling where the fight takes place.
Striking: On the feet, McKee is unpredictable. He frequently switches stances, making it difficult for opponents to read his attacks. He utilizes a diverse arsenal of kicks, including a signature yoko geri (side kick) that flows into a spinning back kick. His long limbs allow him to land powerful head kicks from range, as seen in his first-round finish of Patricio "Pitbull" Freire. He is also an adept counter-striker, capable of baiting opponents into exchanges where he can capitalize on openings.

Fighter Analysis: Ádám Borics (20-3-0)

Ádám "The Kid" Borics is a Hungarian powerhouse known for his spectacular and high-risk offensive style. A large and physically imposing featherweight, Borics has expressed that 2026 may be his final year in the division before a move to lightweight, adding a sense of urgency to his championship aspirations.

Borics is a highlight-reel finisher, with his primary weapon being a devastating flying knee.

Offensive Style: His entire game is built around creating opportunities for his explosive strikes. He sets up his flying knee by systematically breaking opponents down. He uses powerful leg kicks to compromise their mobility and feints to draw out reactions. Crucially, he capitalizes on telegraphed takedown attempts, timing his knee to intercept opponents as they change levels. He pressures opponents, controls the center of the cage, and is effective with elbows and knees in the clinch.
Defensive Liabilities: For all his offensive prowess, Borics has shown significant vulnerabilities in his defensive grappling. In his fight against Jeremy Kennedy, he was taken down, controlled on the ground, and showed limited ability to escape from a body triangle. His high-risk attacks can also leave him off-balance and susceptible to takedowns if they miss. Fighting off his back is his most glaring weakness.

Tactical Matchup Preview

This is a quintessential clash of an elite grappler against a devastatingly explosive striker, with the fight likely to be decided by a single, critical moment.

The Central Conflict: The entire fight hinges on distance and level changes. Borics wants to keep McKee at striking range, where he can use his kicks and pressure to set up a fight-ending knee. McKee wants to close that distance, navigate the striking danger, and drag the fight to the canvas.
McKee's Path to Victory: McKee must be patient and intelligent in his approach. He cannot afford to charge in recklessly. He should use his own striking—his long jab, stance switches, and kicks—to create openings for his takedown attempts. Once he initiates the grappling, his advantage is immense. On the ground, he can control Borics, wear him down with ground-and-pound, and hunt for a submission, with the "McKee-otine" or a rear-naked choke being likely outcomes. His anticipatory guillotine is also a perfect counter if Borics shoots for a desperate takedown.
Borics's Path to Victory: Borics's chances rely on his timing and power. He must use his leg kicks to slow McKee's movement and discourage entries. His takedown defense will be tested, but his primary defense is his offense—the threat of the knee. He needs to force McKee to hesitate and punish any predictable takedown attempt with a perfectly timed knee up the middle. If he can keep the fight standing and force McKee into a striking battle, he has the power to score a knockout at any moment.

4. Key Main Card Matchups

Heavyweight Clash: Linton Vassell (25-10-0) vs. José Augusto Azevedo (11-5-0)

This heavyweight bout presents a classic grappler versus striker dynamic between two powerful veterans.

Linton Vassell, at 42 years old, has found a career resurgence at heavyweight. The move up from light heavyweight has dramatically improved his durability, as he no longer endures draining weight cuts. He famously survived an early onslaught from Timothy Johnson to win via first-round TKO, a feat he credits to his enhanced resilience. Vassell's strategy is clear: use his size and experience to close the distance, initiate the clinch, and drag the fight to the mat where he can utilize his top-tier grappling. However, he is not invincible on the ground, as shown in his loss to elite wrestler Oleg Popov, who took him down 12 times.
José Augusto Azevedo is a dangerous finisher with significant power in his hands. With a high percentage of his wins coming by KO/TKO, often in the first round, he represents an immediate threat to anyone standing across from him. His primary vulnerability is his defensive wrestling. In his bout against Alex Polizzi, he was repeatedly taken down and controlled. With 60% of his losses coming via submission, his ability to defend on the ground against a grappler of Vassell's caliber is a major question mark.

The Matchup: This fight is a race against time. Azevedo will have a window in the first round to land a fight-altering power shot. Vassell must weather that early storm, absorb the punishment as he did against Johnson, and successfully implement his grappling game plan. If Vassell can secure the takedown, his path to a ground-and-pound TKO or submission victory is clear.

Bantamweight Prospects: Kevin Cordero (15-5-0) vs. Luciano Pereira (15-1-0)

A compelling matchup between two rising bantamweight prospects, this fight will test regional dominance against proven international experience.

Kevin "El Guapo" Cordero is a 26-year-old Spanish fighter from the Canary Islands. A product of the Black Lion Team, he is a well-rounded and battle-tested competitor. Cordero is a submission specialist, with nearly half his wins coming via tap-out, including a slick first-round triangle choke against veteran Ricky Bandejas. He also possesses KO power, demonstrated by a flying knee TKO in 2024. His run in the 2021 Copa Combate tournament showcased his immense "grit and heart," as he fought through significant damage in the final to reach a split decision. He is the more proven commodity against a higher level of opposition.
Luciano "El Torito" Pereira is a 25-year-old Uruguayan with an impressive 15-1 record. He is a potent finisher, with 8 KOs and 3 submissions to his name. However, his record has been built primarily on the regional circuit in promotions like Samurai Fight House. This PFL debut represents a massive step up in competition. While he was previously on the radar for Dana White's Contender Series, his skills against a durable, top-tier opponent like Cordero remain unproven.

The Matchup: This is a showcase for the future of the bantamweight division. The key question is whether Pereira's finishing ability will translate to the global stage. Cordero has faced and overcome adversity against tougher opponents. His experience, resilience, and proven submission game may give him the edge against the less-tested Pereira, but Pereira's impressive finishing rate makes him a live underdog with the power to end the fight at any moment.

5. Final Predictions and Event Outlook

PFL Madrid is poised to be a landmark event, not only for its historic debut in Spain but for its critical role in shaping the championship landscape of two of the promotion's most talent-rich divisions. The outcomes of the main and co-main events will have immediate and far-reaching consequences.

Main Event Prediction: Van Steenis vs. Edwards 2

While Fabian Edwards has made significant strides in his defensive grappling and striking volume, the fundamental stylistic matchup still appears to favor the champion. Costello van Steenis's physical strength, relentless pressure, and proven five-round cardio are difficult attributes to overcome. In their first fight, van Steenis's grappling was the deciding factor. In this five-round affair, his ability to force the fight into the clinch and onto the mat will likely be even more effective at draining Edwards's gas tank. Edwards's path to victory requires a near-perfect performance of distance management and takedown defense for 25 minutes. A more probable outcome is van Steenis weathering the early striking to impose his will in the later rounds.

Prediction: Costello van Steenis via Unanimous Decision.

Co-Main Event Prediction: McKee vs. Borics

This is a high-variance fight where a finish feels almost inevitable. Ádám Borics possesses one-punch/one-knee knockout power that can end any fight in an instant, and his primary trigger—an opponent's takedown attempt—is McKee's primary path to victory. However, A.J. McKee is not a reckless grappler. His fight IQ, combined with his own unorthodox striking, should allow him to create entries without being overly predictable. Once the fight hits the mat, the skill disparity is substantial. Borics's documented struggles off his back against a submission artist of McKee's caliber is a recipe for disaster.

Prediction: A.J. McKee via Submission (Round 2).

Divisional and Event Outlook

Middleweight Division: A victory for van Steenis would solidify his reign and likely set up a future clash with the winner of the upcoming Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle fight. Eblen, ranked #1 as a contender, remains the most compelling future challenger. If Edwards wins, an immediate trilogy fight with van Steenis or a fresh matchup against Eblen would be on the table, creating a dynamic triangle at the top of the division.
Featherweight Division: The stakes could not be higher. The winner of McKee vs. Borics will be crowned the undisputed #1 contender and will be on a collision course with Timur Khizriev for the vacant PFL Featherweight World Championship. This fight effectively creates the next title bout, bringing clarity and immense anticipation to a division in need of a champion. For McKee, a win validates his return to 145 lbs and his loyalty to the PFL. For Borics, a win could mean a title shot before a potential move to lightweight.
PFL's Broader Impact: This event is a powerful statement for the PFL's new era. By staging a major event in Madrid, the promotion is aggressively pursuing global markets. The shift to a ranking and "super fight" model is immediately paying dividends, producing matchups like McKee vs. Borics that are both competitively relevant and compelling for fans. The success of PFL Madrid will serve as a blueprint for future international expansion and will solidify its position as a major force in the global MMA landscape.