Bellator’s return to Europe for the first time since the COVID-19 break started featured six middleweights battling for a spot closer to the top of the division as the company prepares to crown a new champion, and Costello van Steenis made the most of his chance in the main event of Saturday’s Bellator Europe 8 in Milan, Italy.
Paired up against undefeated Fabian Edwards, who was perfect in 17 MMA bouts, including eight professional bouts and nine amateur appearances, van Steenis had the right game plan to make him taste defeat for the first time.
Both fighters exchanged leg kicks in the opening round, with van Steenis at one point knocking Edwards off balance with an inside leg kick.