Johnny Eblen Crowned Interim PFL Middleweight Champion at PFL Austin

The PFL Austin event concluded at the Moody Center, delivering an evening of high-level mixed martial arts action.

In the main event, Johnny Eblen (18-1) was crowned the Interim PFL Middleweight World Champion. Eblen concluded his rivalry with Impa Kasanganay (20-7) by securing a dramatic third-round knockout with powerful strikes. With the current World Champion, Costello van Steenis, observing from ringside, Eblen expressed his determination to unify the middleweight division and avenge his previous loss to van Steenis, who claimed the title in July 2025.

In the co-featured bout, Rafael do Nascimento (13-2) made a significant impact on the PFL Bantamweight division, defeating Lewis McGrillen (12-2). The Brazilian fighter relentlessly pursued McGrillen, securing his back and forcing an English tap-out via a slick rear-naked choke in the second round.

Elsewhere on the card, veteran fighter Julio Arce (22-7) emerged victorious over Caolan Loughran (11-4) by unanimous decision. The bout was a closely contested, back-and-forth affair throughout all three rounds, with Arce ultimately earning the judges' nod.

Kicking off the main card, the formidable Jesus Pinedo (26-8-1) returned to the win column in Texas, defeating Joey Ruquet (10-5) via TKO in the first round. With mere seconds left in the opening round, Pinedo unleashed a decisive flurry of punches that overwhelmed Ruquet, leading to the stoppage. The 30-year-old Peruvian featherweight contender remains focused on reclaiming his position at the top of the division.

Full PFL Austin Main Card Results:

Johnny Eblen (18-1) defeated Impa Kasanganay (20-7) via KO (punches) at 2:39 of round three.

Rafael do Nascimento (13-2) defeated Lewis McGrillen (12-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:07 of round two.

Julio Arce (22-7) defeated Caolan Loughran (11-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

Jesus Pinedo (26-8-1) defeated Joey Ruquet (10-5) via TKO (strikes) at 4:50 of round one.

Preliminary Card Results:

Gamid Khizriev (5-0) defeated Biaggio Ali Walsh (4-2) via submission (twister) at 2:32 of round one.

Aleksandra Savicheva (8-2) defeated Andrea Vazquez (8-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Ashley Thiner (3-0) defeated Mia Grawe (3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Jackson Glass (4-0) defeated Zak Flessas (2-2) via TKO (strikes) at 1:47 of round one.

Victoria Alba (7-2) defeated Borena Tsertsvadze (6-2) via TKO (strikes) at 4:50 of round three.