Overview
- Eblen chose a new PFL deal over free agency and leads the PFL Pittsburgh card against former UFC fighter Bryan Battle at the UPMC Events Center on ESPN platforms.
- The bout is official after Friday’s weigh-ins, with Eblen at 185.8 pounds and Battle at 186.
- Eblen said the contract made financial sense and that he wants to avenge his only loss and leave the promotion as its recognized middleweight champion.
- He returns after losing his title to Costello van Steenis by a rear-naked choke with seconds left in July 2025, and he expects a win to set up that rematch after Fabian Edwards’ recent loss to the champion in Madrid.
- Battle, an Ultimate Fighter winner, makes his PFL debut after two first-round stoppages post-UFC and enters with questions about past scale issues that contributed to his exit from the UFC.