Johnny Eblen Dominates Bryan Battle at PFL Pittsburgh

The undefeated middleweight contender made a statement with a quick finish in his return to the cage.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:44am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Johnny Eblen, the undefeated middleweight prospect, made a triumphant return to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) cage at the organization's event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eblen (17-1) quickly dispatched former UFC fighter Bryan Battle (12-3) with a decisive victory, showcasing his skills and asserting his status as a top contender in the PFL middleweight division.

Why it matters

Eblen's dominant performance solidifies his position as one of the top middleweights in the PFL and a potential title contender. The win also serves as a statement that he remains a force to be reckoned with, despite a lengthy layoff, and is ready to make a push for the PFL championship.

The details

Eblen wasted no time in the fight, immediately taking the fight to Battle and showcasing his superior wrestling and grappling skills. He quickly secured a takedown and proceeded to dominate the action on the ground, raining down strikes and eventually securing a submission victory via rear-naked choke in the opening round.

  • The PFL Pittsburgh event took place on March 29, 2026.

The players

Johnny Eblen

An undefeated middleweight prospect with a professional record of 17-1, Eblen is considered one of the top contenders in the PFL middleweight division.

Bryan Battle

A former UFC fighter with a professional record of 12-3, Battle was making his PFL debut against the highly-touted Eblen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I knew I had to come out and make a statement in my return. Bryan is a tough opponent, but I was determined to show that I'm still one of the best middleweights in the PFL.”

— Johnny Eblen

What’s next

Eblen's dominant win will likely earn him a spot in the PFL middleweight playoffs, where he will have the opportunity to compete for the division's championship.

The takeaway

Eblen's quick and decisive victory over Battle serves as a reminder of his status as a top prospect in the PFL middleweight division. His return to action after a lengthy layoff was a resounding success, and he has positioned himself as a serious title contender in the organization.