Tag: Costello van Steenis

2024 PFL Championship live and official results

The 2024 PFL Championship event takes place Friday with six $1 million title winners set to be crowned.

The 2024 PFL Championship event took place Friday, and MMA Junkie provided live and official results throughout the event.

The card took place at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The entire event streamed on ESPN+.

Six divisions crowned 2024 season winners, each of whom received $1 million to go with their title. The event also featured four MENA championship bouts.

Check out full 2024 PFL Championship results, fight information, highlights and more below.

2024 PFL Championship Main Card Results

  • Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughane via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) – for featherweight title
  • Dakota Ditcheva def. Taila Santos via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:41 – for women’s flyweight title
  • Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:58 – for light heavyweight title
  • Shamil Musaev def. Magomed Umalatov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:44 – for welterweight title
  • Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Brent Primus via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 2:31 – for lightweight title
  • Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:55 – for heavyweight title

Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev

Round 1 – Khizriev comes out pressuring with punches. Loughnane is sharp defensively as he circles and hunts for his own openings. Khizriev remains aggressive early, offering a variety of punches and kicks. Loughnane lands a nice push kick to the face. Khizriev responds a moment later with a spinning back kick. Loughnane attempts a wheel kick, but comes up with air, allowing Khizriev an opening to shoot for the takedown. Working from the top, Khizriev lands ground and pound while focusing on maintaining the position. Loughnane nearly scrambled to his feet, but was returned to the canvas. Khizriev lands more punches and elbows from the top.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 2 – Khizriev comes out firing punches as he sets the tone from the center. A sharp kick to the body lands. Khizriev digs with a nasty uppercut to the body that appears to hurt Loughnane and tests his poker face. Khizriev kicks to the leg and punches upstairs. Loughnane is bleeding on his nose as Khizriev continues to go first and land strikes. Loughnane is really busted up now, but he’s firing back. Khizriev keeps with the forward pressure, but Loughnane finds a solid counter punch and clips Khizriev, who drops to a knee. Khizriev pops right back up and continues to offer punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 3 – Khizriev remains aggressive with punches and shoots in for a takedown. He attempts to drag Loughnane to the ground from the back, and Loughnane gets away with a fence grab. Khizriev makes him pay with a knee to the head. Loughnane gets away and they’re back to striking range in the center of the cage. Khizriev sticks and moves with punches and kicks as Loughnane appears to be working on a damaged rear leg. Another spinning kick attempt from Loughnane results in a takedown. In full guard, Khizriev stays heavy and lands a few short punches. Loughnane works up to his feet and they return to the center. Khizriev looks to land a few more strikes before the round ends.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 4 – Khizriev works behind a left jab, and connects with a strong combination. He then shoots in for a well-timed takedown, returning the fight to the ground. Loughnane attemtps to stand, and spins away. Khizriev continues to lead the dance with punches and leg kicks. Loughnane doesn’t offer much offense as he circles on the outside. Khizriev slows his output as well, but still finds home for punches. Loughnane finds a home for a left, and then a combination not too far behind it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 5 – Khizriev, controlling from the center, fires punches as he works behind a left hand. A sharp right hand connects and an uppercut behind it. Loughnane looks for a punch but eats a counter jumping knee to the body. Loughnane waves Khizriev on. Loughnane starts putting together a few nice quick punches, but Khizriev gets a takedown. Loughnane works back to his feet and gets free with 90 seconds to go. Khizriev keeps the pressure on and looks for another takedown, but can’t get this one. Loughnane offers a few leg kicks, but punches from Khizriev score until the final horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev, giving him the fight 50-45.

Result: Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughane via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Timur Khizriev dominates Brendan Loughnane to win featherweight title
Photos: Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughnane at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Loughnane (30-6), Khizriev (18-0)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos

Round 1 – They come out studying the distance and trade leg kicks. Ditcheva keeps with the kicking approach, inside and outside. A sharp combination of punches gets through for Ditcheva. Santos grabs a hold for a takedown, and the wrestling game is onalong the fence. Ditcheva reverses and gets the takedown, but opts to back away and bring the fight back to the feet. Santos doesn’t waste much time getting back in for another clinch. Ditcheva gets away, and lands a left hand. Another inside leg kick from Ditcheva. Santos charges forward, but Ditcheva circles away. Ditcheva front kicks to the face. A flurry of punches land for Ditcheva! Santos covers up and backs into the fence. Ditcheva adds a short elbow. Ditcheva punches and adds a knee to the body.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ditcheva.

Round 2 – A sharp left hand from Ditcheva connects early. Santos sttampts to charge forward with strikes as Ditcheva circles. Santos keeps the pressure high and eventually gets a hold of Ditcheva against the cage. Ditcheva spins out from the hold. Ditcheva kicks to the legs. Santos responds with a nice punch. Ditcheva punches to the body. A moment later, a front kick to the body pushes Santos back. Another hard leg kick from Ditcheva. Santos closes in for a clinch, eating a knee to the body in the process. Ditcheva lands a hard elbow on the exit. Ditcheva lands another hard front kick to the face. She’s starting to unload as Santos covers up. Santos changes levels to slow down the pressure. Ditcheva defends, and lands a few hard elbows. The punches continue. Santos folds over from a punch to the body! The referee stops it! What a performance!

Result: Dakota Ditcheva def. Taila Santos via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:41
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Dakota Ditcheva stops ex-UFC title challenger Taila Santos to win title, $1 million prize
Photos: Dakota Ditcheva def. Taila Santos at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Ditcheva (14-0), Santos (22-4)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Impa Kasanganay vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov

Round 1 – Yagshimuradov lands a hard leg kick to start. They trade heavy punches a second later. Now they reset and settle down, Kasanganay in the center. Kasanganay darts in with a right hand, but gets clipped with a hard counter. Kasanganay is stunned. Yagshimuradov sees it and capitalizes with more punches. Kasanganay tries to respond, but Yagshimuradov just keeps pouring it on and Kasanganay goes down! The referee dives in before Yagshimuradov can land any more punches. Wow!

Result: Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:58
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Dovlet Yagshimuradov trucks Impa Kasanganay in 58 seconds
Photos: Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Kasanganay (18-5), Yagshimuradov (25-7-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Gerd Richter

Magomed Umalatov vs. Shamil Musaev

Round 1 – Both fighters are take their time studying the range and looking for openings. A few boo birds chirp as the action is slow at the start of this one. A couple of single strikes are offered from both, but the boos grow louder and the referee claps for action. Musaev responds by darting forward with a sharp left hand, and puts a combination behind it. They clinch up against the fence. After the separation, they’re back to circling around the cage without much action. One more forward blitz from Musaev.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.

Round 2 – The crowd gets a clapping chant going to encourage action early in the round. Umalatov pressures forward and shoots for a takedown, but can’t get it. Musaev lands a speedy left jab, and then punches to the body a moment later. Umalatov puts together a nice two-punch combo and shoots straight in for a takedown. He gets Musaev to the mat, but the reversal comes quickly. Musaev controls the back as they stand up. Musaev gets a takedown as Umalatov turns into him. Umalatov gets up to his feet quickly and the wrestling along the fence continues. They separate with less than a minute to go, and trade punches. Musaev looks to change levels but gets denied.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.

Round 3 – They come out with a calculated pace. Umalatov pressures from the center, but Musaev circles from the fence. Umalatov shoots in for single leg, but can’t get it. They’ve back in the center now. Musaev lands a hard punch. Musaev keep the pressure high and clips Umalatov with a hard left! Umalatov goes down! Musaev follows up for the finish, and there it is!

Result: Shamil Musaev def. Magomed Umalatov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:44
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Shamil Musaev bludgeons Magomed Umalatov for $1 million knockout
Photos: Shamil Musaev def. Magomed Umalatov at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Umalatov (17-1), Musaev (20-0-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Derek Hickey

Brent Primus vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov

Round 1 – Rabadanov opens up with leg kicks from the outside. Primus charges in, swinging big hooks. Rabadanov circles away and adds more leg kicks. Another series of punches from Primus, and Rabadanov responds with strikes upstairs. Rabadanov shoots in for the takedown and gets the fight to the ground. Primus stays active from his back, looking to work from mission control in full guard. Rabadanov stays heavy, preventing submission attempts as Primus adds elbows from bottom.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Primus.

Round 2 – Rabadanov comes out with leg kicks as Primus tries to close the distance with punches. A takedown attempts from Rabadanov is stuffed. Primus comes foward, offering a few punches. A fast, sharp combination connects for Rabadanov! The right hand drops Primus! Rabadanov closes in for top position on the ground, but Primus appears recovered, and is back to working from mission control. Rabadanov stands up and kicks Primus who stays on the ground. Rabadanov goes back to the mat in half guard and closes out the round on top after a couple of punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rabadanov.

Round 3 – They meet in the center and exchange punches upstairs. Rabadanov drops Primus with a big right hand! Rabadanov stands over Primus and kicks to the legs. He decides to let Primus back up to his feet. Primus is wearing the damage on the left side of his face now. They trade hard punches. Primus gets the better of thatt exchange. Rabadanov resets and comes back in with another combo, landing nicely. Another sharp combo with an uppercut for Rabadanov. Another furious combo by Rabadanov lights up Primus and he’s rocked! Rabadanov pours on the punches as Primus crashes to the ground! It’s over!

Result: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Brent Primus via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 2:31
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Gadzhi Rabadanov faceplants Brent Primus’ for $1 million
Photos: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Brent Primus at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Primus (15-4), Rabadanov (24-4-2)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Denis Goltsov vs. Oleg Popov

Round 1 – Goltsov quickly gets into striking range and begins firing off a left jab. Popov changes levels and completes an early takedown. Goltsov secures two overhooks, preventing offense from Popov in full guard. Popov works his arms free and offers a couple of punches. Goltsov throws up a triangle choke attempt, and adds the armbar threat. The armbar isn’t there, but Goltsov locks up the triangle tighter. Goltsov signals to the referee that Popov is out! He’s asleep! What a finish!

Result: Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:55
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Denis Goltsov sleeps Oleg Popov from bottom, calls for Francis Ngannou
Photos: Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Goltsov (36-8), Popov (19-2)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Gerd Richter

2024 PFL Championship Photos

Check out a full gallery of the fights from 2024 PFL Championship event below.

[vertical-gallery id=2789475]

2024 PFL MENA Championship Results

  • [autotag]Abdullah Al-Qahtani[/autotag] def. [autotag]Maraoune Bellagouit[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:21 – for MENA featherweight title
  • [autotag]Omar El Dafrawy[/autotag] def. [autotag]Mohammad Alaqraa[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 2; 0:57 – to win MENA welterweight title
  • [autotag]Ali Taleb[/autotag] def. [autotag]Rachid El Hazoume[/autotag] via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:25 – to win MENA bantamweight title
  • [autotag]Mohsen Mohammadseifi[/autotag] def. [autotag]Georges Eid[/autotag] via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) – for MENA lightweight title

2024 PFL Championship Preliminary Card Results

  • [autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] def. [autotag]Alfie Davis[/autotag] via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:41
  • [autotag]Slim Trabelsi[/autotag] def. [autotag]Abraham Bably[/autotag] via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Gabriel Braga[/autotag] def. [autotag]Jeremy Kennedy[/autotag] via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Asael Adjoudj[/autotag] def. [autotag]Jose Perez[/autotag] via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:10
  • [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] def. [autotag]Joao Dantas[/autotag] via knockout (head kick) – Round 1, 0:48

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Championship.

MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month for May: Anthony Smith’s first career guillotine halts unbeaten run

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from May 2024.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from May 2024: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month award for May.

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.

* * * *

Nominees

[autotag]Michel Pereira[/autotag] (31-11 MMA, 9-2 UFC) put away Ihor Pereira (21-6 MMA, 2-4 UFC) just 54 seconds into their middleweight bout for his eighth win in a row inside the octagon.

Pereira came out and quickly dropped Potieria with a one-two combination. At that moment, in true Pereira fashion, he decided to backflip onto his stunned opponent. Potieria tried to quickly get back to his feet but left himself open for a standing guillotine choke that Pereira locked in tight, forcing the tap just before Potieria fell to sleep.

[autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] (21-6) thrilled the French crowd with a slick finish of Yusuke Yachi (26-13) in the opening round of their lightweight bout.

On a two-fight losing skid, Barnaoui bounced back when he needed it most by locking in a D’Arce choke on Yachi that led to the tap.

Add [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] (15-3) to the list of fighters to successfully pull off a Von Flue choke in a major promotion, this time at the expense of Gregory Babane (23-12).

In a middleweight bout, van Steenis put Babene to sleep with the rare submission to punch his ticket to a shot at a Bellator title.

[autotag]Angela Hill[/autotag] (17-13 MMA, 12-13 UFC) finally has a submission victory on her professional record, but that wasn’t all against Luana Pinheiro (11-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC).

Hill, a UFC strawweight veteran, put a nice feather in her cap at while also securing the most wins in the division’s history by tapping Pinheiro with a mounted guillotine choke at the midway point of the third round.

Former UFC title challenger [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag] (38-19 MMA, 13-9 UFC) proved he isn’t done yet when he took the undefeated record of Vitor Petrino (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in their light heavyweight bout.

After a feeling out process on the feet at distance, the two light heavyweights engaged in the clinch. Smith grabbed a hold of Petrino’s neck with a guillotine attempt. Petrino elevated Smith and they crashed to the canvas. Smith’s grip seemed to deepen. Petrino strained before the panic tap came.

Smith, 35, rebounds from a knockout loss to Khalil Rountree and moves to 2-1 in his most recent three bouts. Petrino, 26, loses for the first time as a professional.

[opinary poll=”who-had-the-best-submission-of-may-2024_” customer=”mmajunkie”]

Bellator Champions Series video: Costello van Steenis puts Gregory Babene to sleep with Von Flue choke

Von Flue? Saint Preux? Whatever you call this choke, Costello van Steenis just secured it at Bellator Champions Series: Paris.

Add [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] to the list of fighters to successfully pull off a Von Flue choke in a major promotion.

In a middleweight bout on the Bellator Champions Series: Paris main card, Van Steenis (15-3) put [autotag]Gregory Babene[/autotag] (23-12) to sleep at 2:16 of Round 2. The event took place at Accor Arena.

Van Steenis, 31, is a training partner of former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi. He’s encountered mixed results in recent outings, having gone 3-2 in his most recent five. Friday’s win bounces him back from a unanimous decision defeat to Douglas Lima in May 2023.

Babene, 40, lost in Bellator for the first time. Prior to Friday, he was 5-0 in the promotion, with a 100 percent finishing rate in those fights.

Up-to-the-minute Bellator Champions Series: Paris results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator Champions Series: Paris.

Bellator 296 predictions: Mousasi or Edwards, Barnaoui or Primus in Paris?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the Bellator 296 main card in Paris.

Mousasi
vs.
Edwards		 Barnaoui
vs.
Primus		 Lima
vs.
Van Steenis		 Gouti
vs.
Mousah
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
66-49		 mousasi2023
Mousasi
(77%)		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui
(56%)		 lima2023
Lima
(60%)		 gouti2023
Gouti
(67%)
Matt Erickson
@MattE
75-40		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
73-42		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Nolan King
@mma_kings
71-44		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Matthew Wells
@MrMWells
70-45		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 primus2023
Primus		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
70-45		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 primus2023
Primus		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohn
68-47
trophy copy 2014 Champion		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
-65-50
trophy copy 2018, 2022 Champion		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 gouti2023
Gouti
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
65-50		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Danny Segura
@dannyseguratv
63-52		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 gouti2023
Gouti
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
62-53		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
62-53
trophy copy 2017 Champion		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah

Bellator is back in the “City of Light” for the third time with a key tournament fight and an ex-champ at the top of the bill.

Bellator 296 takes place Friday at Accor Arena in Paris. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

In the main event, former middleweight champion [autotag]Gegard Mousasi[/autotag] (49-8-2 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) will fight for the first time since he lost his title when he takes on [autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] (11-2 MMA, 7-2 BMMA), the brother of UFC welterweight champ Leon Edwards.

Mousasi is a -260 favorite in the fight, and he’s a near-unanimous pick from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers. They have it as a blowout for the former champ, Mousasi, at 10-1.

In the co-feature, [autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] (20-4 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) takes on former lightweight champ [autotag]Brent Primus[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA) in a quarterfinal fight in Bellator’s lightweight grand prix. Barnaoui is a moderate favorite at -360 and has a big 9-2 lead in the picks.

Also on the main card, former welterweight champion [autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] (32-11 MMA, 14-7 BMMA) takes on [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] (14-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) in a middleweight bout. Van Steenis is a slight favorite at -160, but it’s Lima with a narrow 6-5 edge in the picks.

And to open the main card, [autotag]Thibault Gouti[/autotag] (16-6 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) meets [autotag]Kane Mousah[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) at lightweight. Gouti is a slight favorite at -140, but it’s Mousah in a blowout at 9-2.

In the MMA Junkie consensus picks, Mousasi (77 percent), Barnaoui (56 percent), Lima (60 percent) and Gouti (67 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 296.

Matchup Roundup: New UFC and Bellator fights announced in the past week (Jan. 16-22)

All the UFC and Bellator fight announcements that were first reported or confirmed by MMA Junkie in the past week.

MMA fight announcements are hard to follow. With so many outlets and channels available, it’s nearly impossible to organize.

But here at MMA Junkie, we’ve got your back.

Each week, we’ll compile all the newly surfaced fights in one spot. Every Monday, expect a feature listing everything you might have missed from the UFC or Bellator.

Here are the fight announcements that were broken or confirmed by MMA Junkie from Jan. 16-22.

Ex-champ Douglas Lima moves back to 185, meets Costello Van Steenis at Bellator Paris

A former Bellator welterweight champion is moving back up a division, and he has his first assignment.

A former Bellator welterweight champion is moving back up a division, and he has his first assignment.

[autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] (32-11 MMA, 14-7 BMMA) has been booked for a middleweight matchup against [autotag]Costello Van Steenis[/autotag] (14-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) when Bellator returns to France this spring. Bellator officials announced the new booking Thursday, as well as a light heavyweight bout between [autotag]Jose Augusto[/autotag] (7-4 MMA, 1-2 BMMA) and [autotag]Simon Biyong[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) for the prelims.

Bellator Paris takes place May 12 at Accor Arena in Paris. The main card will air on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie. The event will be Bellator’s second event in Paris in less than a year.

Lima will be looking to get back on track in what is the roughest stretch of his career. “The Phenom” beat Andrey Koreshkov in a rematch to reclaim the 170-pound title in 2016 and defended it against Lorenz Larkin in 2017. But in early 2018, he lost the belt to Rory MacDonald.

Lima rebounded with finishes of Koreshkov, then became the first fighter to beat Michael Page when he knocked him out at Bellator 221. Later in 2019, he beat MacDonald to get the welterweight title back.

Then his struggles started. He dropped a unanimous decision to then-middleweight champ Gegard Mousasi in a bid to become a two-division titleholder. Then he lost the welterweight title to Yaroslav Amosov in June 2021. Later that year, he dropped a split call to Page in a rematch, and in July 2022, he lost a decision to Jason Jackson for his fourth straight setback.

Van Steenis will be looking to build on back-to-back wins over Fabian Edwards in 2020 and a submission of Kamil Oniszczuk this past October at Bellator 287. Van Steenis, from the Netherlands, is a training partner of Mousasi, who headlines Bellator Paris.

With the additions, the Bellator Paris lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (Showtime, 4 p.m. ET)

  • Gegard Mousasi vs. Fabian Edwards
  • Mansour Barnaoui vs. Sidney Outlaw – lightweight grand prix quarterfinal
  • Douglas Lima vs. Costello van Steenis
  • Thibault Gouti vs. Kane Mousah

PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, noon ET)

  • Davy Gallon vs. Saul Rogers
  • Jose Augusto vs. Simon Biyong

[vertical-gallery id=457096]

Costello van Steenis aims to put fear in Bellator middleweight division after climbing out of ‘dark hole’

Costello van Steenis overcame injuries to return to Bellator, and now he’s shooting for the top of the middleweight division.

Everything was going great for [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] at the tail end of 2020. He’d won seven of eight fights, was coming off his first Bellator main event win over Fabian Edwards, and seemed in position to make a run at the middleweight title.

Just when van Steenis (14-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) was hitting the point at which the opportunities he’d worked a lifetime for were just around the corner, it all fell apart and he wasn’t seen again for 25 months.

“I had loads of injuries,” van Steenis told MMA Junkie. “I had two stomach hernias, a groin tear, and had COVID really bad. It really affected me. It took me five, six months to recover from that. When I came back, I started training too hard and tore my ACL. It was hectic.

“I definitely had doubts (about my future) because I was having so much bad luck. It wasn’t small injuries that I could push through. … That really messed up my head. Everything was like a dark hole for me.”

Van Steenis, 30, is the first to admit life got pretty low for him. However, a relationship with a new trainer allowed him to rebuild physically and mentally.

At long last, van Steenis made his return to competition this past month at Bellator 287 in Italy. “The Spaniard” picked up right where he left off and submitted Kamil Oniszczuk with a D’Arce choke in the second round of their bout.

Although it wasn’t the highest ranked opponent, van Steenis said the fight allowed him to get back in groove, and in his opinion shows he belongs at the upper tier of Bellator’s 185-pound division.

“I think I should be in the top three, definitely,” van Steenis said. “I’ve been out for two years, so I can’t be too picky. But put me wherever and I’ll start beating people and putting fear in the middleweight division.

“There’s loads of new fighters. The whole middleweight division is different. The whole lineup is different (than before my injuries). I’m excited to prove myself that I should be in the top three, and I’ll keep proving myself.”

Van Steenis said he’s targeting a return at Bellator’s event in Dublin on Feb. 24. He would like the highest ranked opponent available, and would even be ready to jump into a title bout with champ Johnny Eblen if possible.

“If I could pick, I would fight Eblen right away,” van Steenis said. “But I don’t think it’s up to me to pick my own fight. When Bellator tells me I’m ready to fight him, I will fight him.”

[vertical-gallery id=2592691]

Bellator Europe 8 results: Costello van Steenis earns split decision over Fabian Edwards

Costello van Steenis scored yet another impressive win at Bellator Europe 8.

[autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] is no longer undefeated.

The heralded Bellator middleweight contender dropped a split decision to [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] in the main event of Saturday’s Bellator Europe 8 event. The card went down at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy.

As the judges’ 29-28, 28-27, 28-29 scores indicate, the bout was close and competitive. Van Steenis (13-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) had success early. “The Spaniard” did well in the striking department in the first round, pushing the action and landing several leg kicks  while avoiding most of Edwards’ (9-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) strikes. The second round was more clear for van Steenis, as he took down Edwards and controlled the action to eventually advance positions and finish out on mount.

In the third round the tide turned for Edwards. The British fighter pushed the action and took van Steenis’ back off a failed takedown. He remained on top position for the majority of the round.

[lawrence-related id=554974,554532]

In addition to the 185-pound main event, two other middleweights had dominant performances in Milan.

[autotag]Will Fleury[/autotag] used his superior ground game and control to outpoint [autotag]Kent Kauppinen[/autotag]; while [autotag]Michael Shipman[/autotag] outstruck [autotag]Pietro Penini[/autotag] for the majority of their contest. Both Shipman and Fleury picked up 30-27 scores in all three judges’ scorecards for unanimous decisions.

Complete results Bellator Europe 8 results:

MAIN CARD

  • Costello van Steenis vs. Fabian Edwards via split decision (28-29, 28-27, 29-28)
  • Mike Shipman def. Pietro Penini via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Will Fleury def. Kent Kauppinen via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD

  • George Hardwick def. Nicolo Solli via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Ion Pascu def. Stefano Paterno via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Alfie Davis def. Akonne Wanliss via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Daniele Scatizzi def. Gavin Hughes via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:41
  • Aidan Lee def. Jeremy Petley via knockout (knee) – Round 2, 1:22
  • Frans Mlambo def. Cory Tait via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
  • Luke Trainer def. Alex O’Toole via TKO (unanswered strikes) – Round 1, 1:22
  • Richie Smullen def. Harry Hardwick via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Chiara Penco def. Aleksandra Toncheva Plamenova via TKO (unanswered strikes) – Round 2, 4:27
  • Danni Neilan def. Claire Lopez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:45

[vertical-gallery id=554749]

Bellator Europe 8 results and live stream

Follow the action live as the Bellator cage returns to European soil for Bellator Europe 8 in Milan, Italy.

The Bellator cage returns to European soil as the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy plays host to Bellator Europe 8.

The main event features a battle of European middleweight contenders, as England’s [autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) takes on the Netherlands’ [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] (12-2 MMA, 4-1 BMMA), while the co-main event showcases two more middleweights looking to deliver a statement performance, as Italy’s [autotag]Pietro Penini[/autotag] (9-1-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) faces off against England’s [autotag]Mike Shipman[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 4-2 BMMA).

The main card’s middleweight flavor continues with Ireland’s [autotag]Will Fleury[/autotag] (7-3 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) against England’s [autotag]Kent Kauppinen[/autotag] (12-5 MMA, 2-2 BMMA), while the preliminary card is packed with a host of European prospects, including a notable lightweight battle between fellow Brits [autotag]Alfie Davis[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) and [autotag]Akonne Wanliss[/autotag] (4-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA).

Follow the action via Bellator’s official live stream above, and stay up to date with the official results below.

MAIN CARD (MMA Junkie, 5 p.m. ET)

  • Fabian Edwards vs. Costello van Steenis
  • Pietro Penini vs. Mike Shipman
  • Will Fleury vs. Kent Kauppinen

PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, 1:15 p.m. ET)

  • George Hardwick vs. Nicolo Solli
  • Ion Pascu vs. Stefano Paterno
  • Alfie Davis vs. Akonne Wanliss
  • Gavin Hughes vs. Daniele Scatizzi
  • Aidan Lee vs. Jeremy Petley
  • Frans Mlambo vs. Cory Tait
  • Alex O’Toole) vs. Luke Trainer
  • Harry Hardwick vs. Richie Smullen
  • Chiara Penco vs. Aleksandra Toncheva Plamenova
  • Claire Lopez vs. Danni Neilan

Bellator Europe 8 predictions: Is it Fabian Edwards or Costello van Steenis in Italy?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the Bellator Europe 8 main card in Milan, Italy.

Edwards
vs.
Van Steenis		 Fleury
vs.
Kauppinen		 Penini
vs.
Shipman
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
2020: 104-62		 edwards2020
Edwards
(57%)		 kauppinen2020
Kauppinen
(56%)		 shipman2020
Shipman
(77%)
Nolan King
@mma_kings
2020: 113-53		 vansteenis2020
Van Steenis		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Dan Tom
@DanTomMMA
2020: 111-55		 vansteenis2020
Van Steenis		 kauppinen2020
Kauppinen		 shipman2020
Shipman
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
2020: 110-56
trophy copy 2017 Champion		 edwards2020
Edwards		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
2020: 110-56		 vansteenis2020
Van Steenis		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Dave Doyle
@davedoylemma
2020: 109-57		 vansteenis2020
Van Steenis		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Danny Segura
@dannyseguratv
2020: 108-58		 edwards2020
Edwards		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Simon Head
@simonhead
2020: 108-58
trophy copy 2019 Champion*		 edwards2020
Edwards		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohnMMA
2020: 106-60
trophy copy 2014 Champion		 edwards2020
Edwards		 kauppinen2020
Kauppinen		 shipman2020
Shipman
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
2020: 104-62		 edwards2020
Edwards		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
2020: 103-63		 edwards2020
Edwards		 fleury2020
Fleury		 penini2020
Penini
John Morgan
@MMAjunkieJohn
2020: 101-65		 vansteenis2020
Van Steenis		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
2020: 101-65
trophy copy 2018 Champion		 edwards2020
Edwards		 fleury2020
Fleury		 shipman2020
Shipman
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
2020: 99-67		 edwards2020
Edwards		 kauppinen2020
Kauppinen		 shipman2020
Shipman
Matt Erickson
@MMAjunkieMatt
2020: 69-97		 vansteenis2020
Van Steenis		 kauppinen2020
Kauppinen		 penini2020
Penini

Bellator is back this week with its first overseas event since the start of the pandemic.

Bellator Europe 8 takes place Saturday at Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. The card streams on MMA Junkie and Bellator’s YouTube page.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

In the main event, [autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) tries to keep his unbeaten record intact when he takes on fellow middleweight [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] (12-2 MMA, 4-1 BMMA). It’s a close matchup with our 14 editors, writers, videographers and radio hosts. Edwards has just a slim 8-6 lead in the picks.

In the co-main event, [autotag]Pietro Penini[/autotag] (9-1-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) meets [autotag]Mike Shipman[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 4-2 BMMA) in a middleweight bout. Shipman has a big 12-2 picks lead.

And to open the main card, [autotag]Will Fleury[/autotag] (7-3 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) takes on [autotag]Kent Kauppinen[/autotag] (12-5 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) in a third bout at 185 pounds. Fleury has a big 10-4 lead in the picks.

In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Edwards (57 percent), Shipman (77 percent) and Kauppinen (56 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

[vertical-gallery id=391998]