PFL’s Historic Debut in Spain: A New Era for MMA
Tonight, March 20, the Palacio de Vistalegre in Madrid will host an unprecedented night for Spanish mixed martial arts (MMA). The Professional Fighters League (PFL), one of the most powerful organizations globally, is making its first landing in the country with a fight card that brings together world champions, emerging talents, and some of the most prominent names in the national scene. This event signifies a new step in the evolution of the MMA ecosystem in Spain.
For years, the sport’s growth has been driven by national promoters, increasingly larger events, and fighters who have made a name for themselves internationally, such as Ilia Topuria. The arrival of PFL confirms that the Spanish market is now part of the global sports map.
Costello van Steenis: The Driving Force Behind PFL Madrid
A significant part of this historic landing is attributed to Costello van Steenis. The organization’s middleweight world champion will headline the event against Fabian Edwards and has been a key advocate for bringing the promoter to Spain. After winning the belt in 2025 with one of the most epic comebacks of the year, the Dutch-Spanish fighter set a clear goal: to bring the organization to Spain. Now, that promise has become a reality.
“I feel blessed, winning the belt and being able to bring PFL to Spain. I don’t know what’s bigger, winning the title or bringing the organization here. For me, they are equal,” he explained a few months ago to ABC MMA. Van Steenis’s connection to Spain is long-standing, as he began his career here. Now, he returns as a world champion and the main face of the company’s first event in the country. He will face Fabian Edwards, a familiar opponent whom he has defeated in the past. Edwards recently delivered a spectacular knockout against Dalton Rosta last August. However, Costello remains fully confident that he will repeat, and even improve, the result of their previous fight. “I am very confident that I will win. If I had to say, I’d say I’ll knock him out in the third round,” he predicted.
The evening will also have a family component. For the first time, Costello will share the card with his brother, Gino van Steenis, who will face the experienced Mark Ewen. “It feels like a goal achieved, a dream come true. On top of that, my brother is a world champion, and I’m fighting on the same card as my brother… it’s incredible,” Gino explained. The younger Van Steenis is confident after his last great performance in WAR and has a clear goal: “to finish the year in the top 10.”
A Stacked Fight Card Featuring Top Talents
Beyond the main event, the card will feature some of the most prominent fighters on the European circuit, including AJ McKee Jr. and Ádám Borics. Also competing will be Franco Tenaglia, one of the most charismatic fighters on the international scene, who promises a spectacular performance in Madrid. “The card is incredible… they are all great fights,” the Argentine assured ABC MMA. His intention is clear: to offer an intense contest that connects with the public. “I hope it’s a bloody, tactical, fast fight, that it’s entertaining.”
Another name on the card is David Mora, who returns to competition after more than a year out and will debut in the promotion against Claudio Pacella. The Madrid native acknowledges that the opportunity to compete in an international organization in his home country is unusual. “Many times they call you to be the visitor or to save their event, but here it seems like this is here to stay,” he explained. For Mora, the fight represents a new beginning after a difficult period. “I know what I’m worth and what I work for every day… I’m not going to let failures that are not my fault ruin my career.”
Kevin Cordero will also be on the card, making his PFL debut with the motivation to continue building his career after an inconsistent period. “It’s a huge opportunity… being able to fight in an event like this in Spain is very important,” he said before the fight. Ernesto ‘El Potro’ Schisano, Nacho Campos, and Mattia Giordano will also represent national MMA in Vistalegre, alongside a clash that will divide the stands.
The Spanish War: Borja García vs. Rafael Calderón
Excluding the main event, the fight generating the most anticipation among the local public is the one between Borja García and Rafael Calderón. It will be the only fight on the card that pits two Spanish fighters against each other, promising to divide the Vistalegre audience. Both are also among the best flyweights in the country. Borja arrives after a particularly demanding training camp, completely focused on this fight since late 2025. “Rafa is a very good fighter; he had a peak some time ago, but for me, his prime is over. I expect a tough battle, but I’m much better than him; in terms of fight rhythm, I’m superior,” the Asturian analyzed in ABC MMA.
For his part, Calderón maintains that “anything can happen; we are different fighters, but both of us have power in our hands. If one of us makes a false step, they will pay for it, but I believe I am a more intelligent fighter. I am preparing for a long fight, but if an opening appears, I will take advantage of it.” The fight will also have a special atmosphere in the stands. Both have followers in Madrid, something Borja himself acknowledges. “Many people’s hearts will be divided in this fight. But I love Madrid.” Rafael, as expected, also embraces the challenge in his homeland with pride. “Very happy to represent Madrid and put on a good show for the people of Madrid.”
A Night That Could Mark an Era
The arrival of PFL in Spain is not just a major sporting event. It also represents the recognition of growth that has been brewing in the country for years. More and more Spanish fighters are competing in major promotions, national events are filling venues, and the audience continues to grow. The Palacio de Vistalegre will be the meeting point for this process. A night where the sport will seek to demonstrate that Spain is now part of the international MMA circuit. And, as Costello van Steenis himself promises, a night where the world will see “what the name van Steenis means.”
