Costello van Steenis living the dream with PFL Madrid decision and sends Fabian Edwards warning

Costello van Steenis fulfilled a childhood dream when he became PFL middleweight champion and couldn’t imagine trumping the feat.

But when he was proposed to headline at PFL Madrid, live on talkSPORT on Friday night, ‘The Spaniard’ couldn’t believe his luck.

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Van Steenis: I didn’t think PFL Madrid was possible

“My mission was winning the PFL title,” van Steenis told talkSPORT.com.

“I made my dream come true, but then hearing that I’m taking the organisation to Spain, I don’t know what’s bigger.

“I think it’s just as big or even bigger, taking one of the biggest promotions in the world to my home country, Spain.

“That’s just crazy. I would say it’s a dream come true, but I didn’t even dream, I didn’t even think that was possible, until it happened.”

History in the making

The PFL announced in December it would enter Spain for the first time this month, beating rivals UFC to a debut event in the historic location.

It was a big statement from the promotion, now under the guidance of former Time Warner chief financial officer John Martin, who has already made big structural changes, introducing things like a fresh ranking system to enhance accessibility.

Having also debuted in Africa, sold out Lyon’s LDLC Arena and removed the burden of Francis Ngannou’s financial demands in the past eight months, the momentum continues in Madrid, with van Steenis the poster boy for the event at Palacio Vistalegre.

The 33-year-old faces Briton Fabian Edwards—brother of former UFC champion Leon Edwards—in the main event of PFL Madrid on Friday.

Meanwhile, American AJ McKee faces Adam Borics in the chief support act, ex-BKFC star Franco Tengalia makes his debut, Australia’s Jacinta Austin features, and Briton Linton Vassell contests his 36th bout.

Van Steenis, who was born in the Netherlands to a Filipino mum and Dutch dad, before moving to Spain as a child, says defending his title at home is all the motivation he needs.

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Although he moved back to the Netherlands to start his professional MMA career, van Steenis calls Spain his home, having grown up in the country for 20 years ‘doing the siestas and living like a Spaniard.’

Van Steenis ‘hungrier than ever’ for Madrid defence

“No way am I getting knocked out by [Edwards],” van Steenis added.

“I don’t believe I have any weaknesses compared to him. I believe I’m actually a lot stronger than him in every aspect of the game.

“My mission was to get the belt. I got the belt, but fighting Fabian Edwards now is just as big and just as nice as wanting to chase the belt. 

“Now, I’m going to defend it, but defending it in my home country makes me hungrier than ever. 

“I’m not only going to show Fabian that I’m a lot stronger, but I’m also going to send a message to the world with Fabian’s body in the line, in the octagon and show how strong and good I really am.”

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Van Steenis has already fought and defeated Edwards under the Bellator banner, acquired by PFL in November 2023.

‘The Spaniard’ handed Edwards the first defeat of his pro career in September 2020, claiming a split decision victory after three rounds at Bellator Milan.

While Edwards vowed to score an epic knockout when speaking to talkSPORT.com in December, van Steenis believes he’s ‘grown five times better’ since the pair’s first meeting and foresees his fighting style proving too much for the Birmingham man.

‘Ruthless’ reality of family fighting dynasty

Like Edwards, van Steenis has also shared his MMA journey with a fellow fighting brother.

Gino van Steenis faces Scottish fighter Mark Ewen at lightweight on the preliminary card of PFL Madrid.

Van Steenis is used to training alongside Gino, but the pair have distanced their camps for Madrid.

The champion is doing the rounds at Florida-based gym Kill Cliff FC, as well as in the Netherlands, while Gino is based in Altea, Alicante.

He has been training alongside UFC stars Reinier de Ridder, Gilbert Burns and Vicente Luque.

“It’s not difficult,” van Steenis said about being away from his brother.

“I do miss my brother because we’ve been living together since birth and also we live together when we’re training. 

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“Normally, we watch fights, we have techniques, we speak to each other, ‘Oh, we should try this, let’s try this in training.’

“Now we don’t have that anymore. That’s the only minus point, but the plus point is that I can focus on myself.

“I can use my aggression without holding me back and feeling sorry for my brother.

“Because when we’re home and we’re together and the calories are low, you get a little bit more grumpy…

“But now, it’s just all ruthless, there’s no holding back.”

Van Steenis wants to make as many defences as possible of the PFL middleweight title in 2026.

He is also eyeing a potential move up a division at the end of this year or beginning of 2027, although Edwards will no doubt believe he can disrupt these plans.

PFL Madrid will be streamed live on the talkSPORT Boxing and talkSPORT MMA YouTube channels on Friday.