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Costello van Steenis showcased his grappling prowess with a rare and impressive submission victory at Bellator Champions Series: Paris. The Dutch middleweight added his name to the elite list of fighters who have successfully executed a Von Flue choke in a major promotion. Van Steenis (15-3) secured the win by putting Gregory Babene (23-12) to sleep at 2:16 of Round 2, marking a memorable moment at Accor Arena.
The bout started with both fighters engaging in a strategic stand-up battle, but it was Van Steenis who took control when the fight hit the mat. Known for his training with former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, Van Steenis displayed his ground game expertise. As Babene attempted to secure a guillotine choke, Van Steenis transitioned to side control and locked in the Von Flue choke. The crowd watched in anticipation as Babene struggled to escape, ultimately succumbing to the choke and going unconscious.
This victory was a significant bounce-back for the 31-year-old Van Steenis, who had faced mixed results in his recent outings, going 3-2 in his last five fights. His previous bout ended in a unanimous decision defeat to Douglas Lima in May 2023. The win over Babene re-establishes Van Steenis as a formidable contender in the Bellator middleweight division.
For Gregory Babene, the loss marked his first defeat in Bellator. The 40-year-old veteran had an impressive 5-0 record in the promotion, with all victories coming by way of finish. Despite the setback, Babene’s track record in Bellator remains commendable, and fans can expect him to come back stronger.
Van Steenis’s performance not only thrilled the fans but also reminded everyone of his dangerous submission skills. As he looks forward to future bouts, Van Steenis aims to climb the middleweight rankings and potentially secure a title shot.