Johnny Eblen has made clear his priority is capturing the PFL title rather than pursuing a rematch with Van Steenis. The middleweight contender addressed the topic ahead of PFL Austin.
Johnny Eblen has made his ambitions clear heading into PFL Austin, stating that winning the PFL middleweight title is his sole focus rather than chasing a rematch with Van Steenis.
Eblen, nicknamed "Pressure," carries a spotless 16-0-0 professional record into the event. The 34-year-old American stands six-foot-one with a 74-inch reach and has built his undefeated run on a striking game that stands among the most efficient in the division. He lands 12.3 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 63.4 percent, figures that reflect just how relentlessly he pursues opponents once he has them measured.
By publicly redirecting attention toward the PFL belt, Eblen is signaling that title gold — not settling scores — is driving his preparation ahead of PFL Austin.
Why it matters
- Eblen's 16-0 record and elite striking output make him one of the most dangerous middleweights outside the UFC, and a PFL title run would cement that status.
- His decision to prioritize the belt over a Van Steenis rematch shapes how the PFL middleweight bracket could unfold and who gets positioned as his next opponent.
- At 34, Eblen has a clear sense of urgency, making a championship run at PFL Austin the logical next step in his career rather than a detour into personal rivalries.
