Costello Van Steenis provided one of the biggest comebacks in MMA history, beating Johnny Eblen in the PFL Africa 1 main event.
Eblen dominated mostly the first half of his wrestling battle, wearing down Van Stinis with his relentless ground game and clinch work. As we proceeded to a third, Van Steens appeared to have been cut off with his right hand and sent to the canvas. Eblen dropped his big right hand and finished the round with top control.
Eblen appeared to be in control throughout the first three rounds, but the tide began to change to the fourth as the defending champion appeared to be running in the sky while Van Stinis was earning his second wind.
Van Steney thrusts in a one-step round, including a head kick that clips Eblen and places the American on the ropes.
Desperately in need of a finish with his back against the wall, Van Stinis bites the mouthpiece and spends his time chopping the fifth and final round to get on top of Eblen near the fence. Van Steen managed to tighten the naked chalk in the back, but Eblen had no intention of tapping out at all. Despite his best efforts to survive, Eblen ultimately fell asleep, bringing the match to a crashing stop, giving Van Stinis the biggest comeback of his mixed martial arts career.
Official Results: Costello van Steenis def. Johnny Eblen won the PFL Middleweight Championship via submission at 4:51 in 5th round 5 (rat rear submission).