What's Happening?
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is hosting its first event in the Metro Pittsburgh area, featuring a main card fight between Johnny Eblen and Bryan Battle. Eblen, hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, is a former Bellator Middleweight World Champion,
while Battle, from Springfield, Missouri, won The Return of The Ultimate Fighter Middleweight Tournament in 2021. The event is set to take place at the UPMC Events Center in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, starting at 7 p.m. ET on March 28, 2026. The fight is part of a five-round title bout, with the winner moving closer to a match against PFL Middleweight Champion Costello van Steenis. The event is available for streaming on ESPN Unlimited, which offers a subscription service that includes access to a wide range of ESPN networks and streaming services.
Why It's Important?
This event marks a significant moment for the PFL as it expands its reach into new markets like Pittsburgh, potentially increasing its fan base and viewership. The fight between Eblen and Battle is crucial as it could determine the next contender for the PFL Middleweight Championship, adding competitive intrigue to the league. For ESPN Unlimited, broadcasting this event enhances its sports content offering, potentially attracting more subscribers interested in mixed martial arts. The event also highlights the growing popularity of MMA in the United States, contributing to the sport's mainstream appeal and economic impact through viewership and associated merchandise sales.
What's Next?
Following the PFL Pittsburgh event, the winner of the Eblen vs. Battle fight will likely prepare for a future bout against the current PFL Middleweight Champion, Costello van Steenis. This could lead to increased media attention and promotional activities for the fighters involved. Additionally, the success of this event could encourage the PFL to schedule more events in new locations, further expanding its geographic footprint and audience reach. ESPN Unlimited may also continue to leverage such events to boost its subscription numbers and enhance its sports streaming portfolio.
