CAREER NOTES

Costello van Steenis has established himself as the premier middleweight in Professional Fighters League, holding the PFL Middleweight World Championship and ranking among the organization's top pound-for-pound fighters. Known as "The Spaniard," van Steenis brings a unique dual identity to the cage — born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, where he first discovered mixed martial arts. That cross-cultural foundation shaped a fighting style that blends European technical precision with relentless competitive drive. His journey from the Spanish regional scene through Bellator and into PFL championship contention traces one of the most compelling career arcs in the middleweight division. Van Steenis now trains out of Kill Cliff FC in Florida, where he has refined the complete skill set that makes him one of the most dangerous fighters at 185 pounds.

Van Steenis is a true finisher with the ability to end fights through virtually any method. His grappling credentials are among the strongest in the division, with a submission game that has produced numerous victories throughout his professional career — including rear-naked chokes, guillotines, and technical submissions that showcase his ground control and positional awareness.

Standing at 6'1" with a rangy frame, he uses precise striking combinations and calculated distance management to set up his takedowns or punish opponents who overextend. His striking power has delivered highlight-reel knockouts, including a devastating head kick finish that demonstrated his explosive capability. What makes van Steenis particularly dangerous is his ability to transition between striking and grappling, keeping opponents guessing throughout every round and making him a constant threat whether the fight stays on the feet or goes to the ground.

Van Steenis earned his PFL Middleweight World Championship through a last second submission that showcased his tenacity and relentlessness. His title-winning campaign cemented his status as the division's top fighter and validated the years of development that brought him from European regional competition to the global stage. Inside the cage, van Steenis combines the technical discipline of his Dutch training environment with the aggressive finishing instinct that has defined his career. His continued presence atop PFL's middleweight rankings makes him the fighter every contender must go through, and his championship pedigree ensures he will remain a central figure in the division's most significant matchups. Van Steenis represents the global reach of PFL's roster and the caliber of international talent competing at the highest level of the sport.

• (7-2-0) Bellator Record