What's Happening?
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is hosting its first event in the Metro Pittsburgh area at the UPMC Events Center in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The main event features a middleweight bout between Johnny Eblen from Des Moines and Bryan Battle
from Springfield. Eblen, a former Bellator Middleweight World Champion, faces Battle, who won The Return of The Ultimate Fighter Middleweight Tournament in 2021. The event is scheduled for March 28, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The fight is available for streaming on ESPN Unlimited, which offers a subscription service that includes access to Disney+ and Hulu.
Why It's Important?
This event marks a significant expansion of the PFL's reach into new markets, particularly in the Pittsburgh area. By hosting high-profile fights like Eblen vs. Battle, the PFL is likely to attract a broader audience and increase its visibility in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts (MMA). The availability of the event on ESPN Unlimited also highlights the growing trend of sports streaming services, which offer fans more flexible viewing options. This could potentially lead to increased subscription numbers for ESPN Unlimited, benefiting both the network and the PFL.
What's Next?
The winner of the Eblen vs. Battle fight will move closer to a title shot against the current PFL Middleweight Champion, Costello van Steenis. This adds a layer of excitement and stakes to the bout, as both fighters aim to advance their careers. Additionally, the success of this event could encourage the PFL to schedule more events in the Pittsburgh area, further establishing its presence in the region. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the event performs in terms of viewership and attendance.
