Austin vs. Dudakova & Yassin Najid: Boxing Preview & Profile

Madrid is set to host a compelling night of mixed martial arts (MMA) action this Friday, March 20, 2026, as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) arrives at the Palacio Vistalegre. The event features a diverse card of fighters, including several Spanish talents and will be headlined by a highly anticipated rematch between PFL Middleweight World Champion Costello van Steenis and England’s Fabian Edwards. Beyond the main event, the card boasts intriguing matchups across multiple weight classes, including a strawweight bout featuring Jacinta Austin against Victoria Dudakova.

The PFL event in Madrid marks a significant expansion for the organization, bringing its unique season format to a latest European audience. The league’s structure, which culminates in a playoff system and a championship final, provides a compelling narrative for fight fans. This particular event is drawing attention not only for the caliber of fighters involved but similarly for the opportunity to showcase Spanish MMA talent on an international stage.

PFL Madrid: Key Matchups and Fighters

The main event will see Costello van Steenis defend his Middleweight title against Fabian Edwards in a rematch. According to PFL’s official announcement, this is van Steenis’s first title defense. The co-main event features a Featherweight clash between AJ McKee and Ádám Borics. Further down the card, Jacinta Austin (8 wins, 2 losses) will face Victoria Dudakova (9 wins, 2 losses) in a Strawweight bout. This fight promises to be a dynamic contest between two skilled competitors.

Yassin Najid, a French fighter of Moroccan origin, will also be competing at PFL Madrid. Najid (9 wins, 5 losses, 1 no contest) is scheduled to fight Franco Tenaglia, a former BKFC Lightweight Champion making his PFL debut. Tenaglia, originally from Argentina but training in Spain, adds an compelling dimension to the card with his background in bare-knuckle fighting. The addition of Najid and Tenaglia highlights PFL’s strategy of incorporating fighters from diverse combat sports backgrounds.

Jacinta Austin vs. Victoria Dudakova: A Strawweight Showdown

Jacinta Austin, 31, and Victoria Dudakova, 27, are both experienced fighters entering the PFL Madrid event with impressive records. Austin, with a reach of 65 cm and a height of 165 cm, has secured 8 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws in her professional career. Her victories have come through 2 submissions and 6 decisions. Dudakova, also with a reach and height of 65 cm and 165 cm respectively, boasts a record of 9 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws, with 5 wins by submission and 2 by decision. She also has a leg reach of 94 cm, while Austin’s leg reach is not available.

Both fighters weighed in at PFL Madrid: Austin at 124.6 lbs (57 kg) and Dudakova at 116 lbs (53 kg). This bout is scheduled for three rounds at 115 lbs. The contrasting styles and submission skills of both athletes suggest a potentially exciting and technical fight. The outcome could significantly impact their standing within the PFL Strawweight division.

Other Notable Bouts on the PFL Madrid Card

Beyond the headline attractions, PFL Madrid features a number of other compelling matchups. Fabian Edwards (16 wins, 4 losses) will challenge Costello van Steenis (17 wins, 3 losses) for the Middleweight title. AJ McKee Jr. (23 wins, 2 losses) will face Adam Borics (20 wins, 3 losses) in a Featherweight contest. Yassin Najid’s bout against Franco Tenaglia is also generating interest, given Tenaglia’s transition from BKFC.

The card also includes several other fights across various weight classes:

• Welterweight: Yassin Najid vs. Franco Tenaglia
• Bantamweight: Luciano Pereira vs. Borja Garcia
• Flyweight: Rafael Calderon vs. Gino van Steenis
• Lightweight: Mark Ewen vs. Mattia Giordano
• Bantamweight: Ernesto Schisano vs. David Mora
• Featherweight: Mathys Duragrin vs. Claudio Pacella
• Heavyweight: Linton Vassell vs. Jose Augusto Azevedo
• Strawweight: Benita van Rooij vs. Jacinta Austin

PFL’s Expansion into Europe and the Spanish Market

PFL’s decision to host an event in Madrid underscores the organization’s commitment to expanding its global footprint. The Spanish market, with its growing MMA fanbase, presents a significant opportunity for PFL to establish a strong presence in Europe. The inclusion of Spanish fighters on the card, such as Franco Tenaglia and fighters competing in the Bantamweight bouts, is a strategic move to engage local fans and build a loyal following. The event at the Palacio Vistalegre is expected to draw a large crowd, further solidifying PFL’s position in the European MMA landscape.

The organization has been actively seeking to broaden its reach beyond North America, and the Madrid event is a key component of that strategy. PFL’s unique season-based format, combined with its focus on fighter development and promotion, has resonated with fans and fighters alike. The success of PFL Madrid could pave the way for future events in Spain and other European countries.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Details regarding the television and streaming broadcast of PFL Madrid have not been widely publicized as of March 18, 2026. Though, PFL events are typically available via pay-per-view and through the PFL’s own streaming platform. Fans are encouraged to visit pflmma.com for the latest information on broadcast options and ticket availability.

The event is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM ET with the bout between Jacinta Austin and Victoria Dudakova. The main card, featuring the title fight between Costello van Steenis and Fabian Edwards, is expected to commence later in the evening. Fans can also stay updated on the event through PFL’s social media channels and official website.

PFL Madrid promises to be a thrilling night of MMA action, showcasing a diverse range of talent and providing a platform for both established fighters and rising stars. The event’s significance extends beyond the fights themselves, representing PFL’s continued expansion into the European market and its commitment to delivering high-quality MMA content to a global audience.

The next confirmed checkpoint for PFL is the announcement of results from the Madrid event and subsequent scheduling of further PFL events throughout 2026. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the upcoming fights and the broader PFL landscape in the comments below.