The PFL continues to undergo a massive restructuring regarding its fight roster and business leadership as 2026 kicks off. One of the league’s biggest recent signings was former The ultimate fighter winner Bryan Battle, who signed with the league after a recent two-fight stint in Dirty Boxing Championship.
The fight parted ways with the UFC after a controversial split-decision victory over Randy Brown at UFC 310 in December 2024. The standout welterweight and middleweight hybrid is undefeated in his last five MMA fights, including knockouts against Gabe Green and Kevin Jousset.
The battle is a solid win for the PFL as the league looks to continue building momentum in 2026 and beyond. After the PFL’s recent fight announcements, it seems like the league values Battle’s skills extremely highly.
Bryan Battle faces a huge challenge in his debut in the Professional Fighters League
The league announced Tuesday that Battle (12-2-1) will fight former Bellator/PFL middleweight titleholder Johnny Eblen in the PFL Pittsburgh Main Event on March 28. The fight marks Eblen’s return to the cage since a last-minute defeat to Costello Van Steenis in a shock title fight last July.
The previously undefeated Eblen will have the opportunity to earn a rematch against Van Steenis with a win over Battle in March. Van Steenis will defend the PFL middleweight championship against Fabian Edwards on March 20.
The PFL also announced that the PFL Pittsburgh co-main event will pair former PFL titleholder Impa Kasanganay with longtime middleweight contender Dalton Rosta. Kasanganay defeated Andrew Sanchez by third-round stoppage in his most recent fight last August.
Meanwhile, Battle will try to prove that the UFC’s decision to part ways was a poor choice. If he beats Eblen and potentially wins the PFL title from Van Steenis or Edwards, the former TUF winner would establish himself as one of the best middleweights in the world.
The full PFL Pittsburgh card is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
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