Quick Facts
LeoBiography
Costello van Steenis (born July 26, 1992) is a Dutch mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division of Bellator MMA.
Background
van Steenis was born on July 26, 1992 in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and Filipino mother. He grew up in Spain in the coastal town of Altea. Costello was first introduced to MMA in the nearby town of Benidorm. His trainer recognized that Costello was talented and told him he should move to a different country where MMA is more established so he could grow as a fighter. Costello "The Spaniard" van Steenis decided to move to the Netherlands and live with his godfather in Vlaardingen. He ended up joining MMA Vlaardingen, training under Ricardo Wondel. He then also joined regular training sessions with Gegard Mousasi's team in Leiden and at Kops Gym in Amsterdam. He considers Gegard Mousasi as a mentor and has stated he would not fight him.
Costello has a scar on his face, caused by a bite of his grandmother's dog when he was two years old.
MMA career
Early career
Prior to joining Bellator MMA, Costello compiled an 8-1 record, finishing most of his opponents. His sole loss came against Jake Bostwick, where Costello suffered a fractured eye socket at the beginning of the second round. He lost the fight by decision.
Bellator MMA
Costello defeated Steve Skrzat at Bellator 185 by first-round TKO.
At Bellator 200, Costello faced Kevin Fryer. He won the fight by first-round TKO.
His next fight, Costello fought Chris Honeycutt at Bellator 210. He won by split decision.
Costello van Steenis faced Mike Shipman on 22 June 2019 at Bellator 223. He won the fight by knockout in the second round.
Costello faced John Salter in the main event of Bellator 233. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 14 matches | 12 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 0 |
| By submission | 5 | 0 |
| By decision | 2 | 2 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 12–2 | John Salter | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 233 | November 8, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 12–1 | Mike Shipman | TKO (punches) | Bellator 223 | June 22, 2019 | 2 | 1:34 | London, England | |
| Win | 11–1 | Chris Honeycutt | Decision (split) | Bellator 210 | November 30, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 10–1 | Kevin Fryer | TKO (punches) | Bellator 200 | May 25, 2018 | 1 | 1:20 | London, England | |
| Win | 9–1 | Steve Skrzat | TKO (submission to elbows) | Bellator 185 | October 20, 2017 | 1 | 2:52 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 | Marcin Naruszczka | DQ (illegal kick to downed opponent) | PLMMA 72: Lomianki | March 4, 2017 | 2 | 0:00 | Lomianki, Poland | |
| Win | 7–1 | Ronan McKay | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CPL: Combat Performance League | August 27, 2016 | 1 | 2:05 | Guildford, England | |
| Loss | 6–1 | Jake Bostwick | Decision (unanimous) | PFN: Phoenix Fight Night 28 | December 12, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Bournemouth, England | |
| Win | 6–0 | Avi Jack | Submission (triangle choke) | PFN: Phoenix Fight Night 27 | September 12, 2015 | 1 | 3:02 | Bournemouth, England | |
| Win | 5–0 | Harry McLeman | Submission (triangle choke) | PFN: Phoenix Fight Night 26 | June 13, 2015 | 2 | 1:03 | Bournemouth, England | |
| Win | 4–0 | Andy Manzolo | TKO (punches) | PFN: Phoenix Fight Night 25 | March 28, 2015 | 1 | 1:00 | Bournemouth, England | |
| Win | 3–0 | Maarten Wouters | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Staredown 9: Depret vs. Buist | March 14, 2015 | 1 | 3:29 | Deurne, Belgium | |
| Win | 2–0 | Cenk Toplar | Submission (rear-naked choke) | S&H: Strength and Honour 10 | October 24, 2014 | 1 | 3:12 | Dessel, Belgium | |
| Win | 1–0 | Andy Peters | Decision (unanimous) | Hoyer's Productions: Battle of the South 12 | April 5, 2014 | 2 | 5:00 | Kerkrade, Netherlands |