A Night of Fire and Fisticuffs in the Spanish Capital
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continues its aggressive expansion across the Atlantic, and the latest stop at Madrid’s iconic Caja Mágica—the ‘Magic Box’—proved that European MMA is not just growing; it is exploding. PFL Europe 2 brought a heavy-hitting card to the heart of Spain, headlined by a middleweight clash that promised tactical brilliance and delivered a clinical masterclass. While the Spanish summer heat simmered outside, the action inside the SmartPFL cage reached a boiling point.
For US fans tuning in, the event was more than just a regional showcase; it was a glimpse into the future of the global PFL roster. The main event featured Costello van Steenis, a man whose name has become synonymous with middleweight excellence, taking on the formidable Tom Breese. The narrative heading into this fight was one of redemption and hierarchy, as both men looked to solidify their standing as the premier 185-pounder in the European circuit.
The Main Event: Costello van Steenis vs. Tom Breese
Costello ‘The Dutchman’ van Steenis entered the arena with the swagger of a man who knows he belongs at the top. Having previously secured a massive victory over Fabian Edwards in his career, Van Steenis has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous middleweights outside of the major US promotions. His transition into the PFL ecosystem has been seamless, and in Madrid, he proved why he is the betting favorite to take home the seasonal championship.
The fight began with a cagey feeling-out process. Breese, a UFC veteran with high-level grappling and a dangerous striking game, attempted to use his reach to keep the Dutchman at bay. However, Van Steenis showed incredible poise, cutting off the cage and forcing Breese into a clinch battle against the fence. The technical transition from a standing position to the canvas was where the fight was won. Van Steenis orchestrated a beautiful takedown, and from there, it was a hunt for the finish.
Midway through the first round, Van Steenis locked in a suffocating D’Arce choke. Despite Breese’s veteran savvy, the squeeze was too much. The tap came at 3:31 of Round 1, sending a clear message to the rest of the division: the path to the PFL Europe title goes through Van Steenis. For those tracking the lineage, Van Steenis’s performance here was a reminder of why his past win over Fabian Edwards remains a benchmark for middleweight comparisons in the PFL-Bellator merger era.
The Co-Main Event: Local Heroics and Split Decisions
The Madrid crowd was at its loudest when Abdellah Er-Ramy stepped into the cage. Fighting in front of his home fans, Er-Ramy faced the gritty Madars Fleminas in a welterweight showdown that was as much a battle of wills as it was a fight. Fleminas, known for his relentless pace, tried to turn the fight into a ‘grind-fest,’ but Er-Ramy’s counter-striking kept the Spanish faithful on their feet.
Over three rounds, the two traded heavy leather and fought through grueling wrestling exchanges. While Fleminas controlled significant portions of the cage time, Er-Ramy landed the more impactful strikes, rocking his opponent late in the second round. When the scorecards were read, it was a split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) in favor of Er-Ramy. While the decision was debated by some purists, the atmosphere in the Caja Mágica was undeniable—a star was born in Madrid.
Standout Performances and KO of the Night
Beyond the headliners, the PFL Madrid card was a showcase for the PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight tournament. Shanelle Dyer, the UK prospect with a growing highlight reel, delivered perhaps the most ‘viral’ moment of the night. Facing Mariam Tatunashvili, Dyer showed why the hype is real. With a blistering head kick in the opening minute, she sent Tatunashvili to the canvas, ending the fight before most fans had finished their first cerveza. Dyer is quickly becoming the PFL’s answer to a global crossover star, combining technical striking with a charismatic personality that resonates with US audiences.
In the lightweight division, Jack Grant and Charlie Leary engaged in a tactical battle that highlighted the depth of the UK MMA scene. Grant’s grappling-heavy approach proved to be the difference maker, as he utilized a relentless top-game to nullify Leary’s boxing. It wasn’t the prettiest fight of the evening, but it was a masterclass in ‘effective grappling,’ a core tenet of the PFL’s scoring system.
What This Means for the PFL Europe Bracket
The results in Madrid have set the stage for a massive semi-final round. Costello van Steenis moves forward with maximum points, virtually guaranteeing him a top seed. The middleweight division, which has seen its share of shake-ups following the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, now has a definitive frontrunner. For fans of Fabian Edwards, the specter of a potential rematch with Van Steenis looms large, especially as the PFL looks to cross-pollinate its regional champions with its global roster.
Technical Breakdown: Why Van Steenis is So Dangerous
What separates Van Steenis from other middleweights in the PFL is his ‘zero-waste’ movement. He doesn’t throw strikes for the sake of activity; every jab is a probe for a takedown, and every clinch is an invitation to a submission. His victory in Madrid was a textbook example of modern MMA—integrating sambo-style entries with high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. US fans accustomed to the high-paced wrestling of the PFL Global season will find his style refreshing yet familiar.
Conclusion: Madrid Proves the PFL Model Works
PFL Europe 2 wasn’t just another fight night; it was a statement of intent. By selling out the Caja Mágica and delivering a night of high-stakes finishes and local drama, the PFL has proven that its seasonal format can thrive outside of the United States. As the tournament moves toward the playoffs, all eyes will remain on Costello van Steenis. If he continues this run of dominance, he won’t just be the king of Europe—he’ll be a legitimate threat to anyone on the PFL Global stage.
PFL Europe 2 Madrid: Quick Results Table
- Costello van Steenis def. Tom Breese via Submission (D’Arce Choke), R1
- Abdellah Er-Ramy def. Madars Fleminas via Split Decision
- Jack Grant def. Charlie Leary via Unanimous Decision
- Shanelle Dyer def. Mariam Tatunashvili via KO (Head Kick), R1
- Yann Liasse def. Adrian Redzovic via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), R1
As the PFL prepares for its next major event in the States, the ripples of the Madrid results will surely be felt. The middleweight division has a new boogeyman, and he speaks with a Dutch accent.