The main event at PFL Pittsburgh went down on Saturday night at the UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it turned out to be anything but competitive.
If this was supposed to be a close fight, someone clearly forgot to inform Johnny Eblen.
Across from him, Bryan Battle came in hoping to make a statement in his return. Instead, he ended up stuck in a one sided showcase that spiraled out of control fast.
Round One: Slam, Reset, Repeat
Battle came in with some momentum and a decent run behind him. That lasted about as long as it takes to blink.
Eblen wasted no time. First exchange, straight into a takedown. Then another. Then another. It quickly became clear this was not a fight built on equal footing. This was a lesson.
At one point, it honestly looked like Eblen was checking how many times he could slam someone in under a minute. The answer? Enough to completely remove any rhythm Battle hoped to find.
Every time Battle tried to stand, he got sent right back down. No space. No breathing room. No plan B.
The Finish: Simple and Ruthless
Eventually, one of those takedowns left Battle flat on the mat. That was the final mistake.
Eblen moved to the back instantly, locked everything in tight, and started hunting the choke like he had already seen the ending before the fight even began.
Seconds later, it was done. Rear naked choke. No escape. No drama. Just a clean, controlled finish.
STATEMENT MADE.
JOHNNY EBLEN WITH THE FIRST ROUND SUBMISSION ON BRYAN BATTLE 🔥#PFLPittsburgh | LIVE NOW ON ESPN 2 | UPMC Events Center | Pittsburgh, PA pic.twitter.com/xgrWgP5RRk
— PFL (@PFLMMA) March 29, 2026
After the win, Johnny Eblen made it obvious what comes next.
“I gotta get that belt back,” he said. “Costello, if you’re fucking watching, I’m fucking coming for you, baby. Revenge. Let’s go, revenge!”
That name? Costello van Steenis. The man who handed Eblen his first loss. And clearly, that memory is still fresh.
Co Main Event Did Not Relax Either
Just in case anyone thought the violence would slow down, Impa Kasanganay stepped in and knocked out Dalton Rosta in one round.
Short night. Big damage. No patience.
FIRST ROUND FIREWORKS 😱
IMPA KASANGANAY DEFEATS DALTON ROSTA IN THE FIRST ROUND 💪#PFLPittsburgh | LIVE NOW ON ESPN 2 | UPMC Events Center | Pittsburgh, PA pic.twitter.com/RtHAFJWqIB
— PFL (@PFLMMA) March 29, 2026
