Bellator 282: Mohegan Sun; Uncasville, Connecticut
It’s not that Gegard Mousasi did anything wrong per se. It’s just Johnny Eblen in doing everything right became the new king that arrived in dominating fashion. And with a clean sweep unanimous decision of 50-45 adds his name to the long list of American Top Team Champions.
Half of “The Human Cheatcode‘s” wins come in the opening round. And had a couple of more strikes landed after a counter left and combination; referee Kerry Hatley may have jumped in to stop the fight. He used his fast hands, constant in your face pressure, and movement to set up his best skill, his wrestling; securing nine-smothering take downs.
From that damage in the first-round had Mousasi breathing open-mouthed and on his heels. Something that rarely ever happened to “The Dreamcatcher” at light heavyweight, or heavyweight, let alone middleweight. But for him the fight turned into a nightmare. Even when they exchanged, Eblen walked through Mousasi’s strikes. He was flat-footed and combos were nonexistent. Eblen’s masterclass on sticking to a game plan and doing what it takes to win was a real work of art.
The New King Has Arrived In His Kingdom
Although Eblen didn’t call anyone out by name to Big John McCarthy afterwards, there’s one thing really scary for every other middleweight in Bellator. He still has not reached his ultimate peak yet. Eblen IS this generation’s version of a Ryan Bader. They’re similar in size, and Eblen’s power and speed is what “Darth‘s” once was. So, looking deep into the crystal ball; when all is said and done, Eblen may reign over multiple divisions.
Not only does the loss end Mousasi’s four-fight win streak, but quickly ends his second-reign with two-defenses. The Amsterdam native is far from over, as it was more of a bad night at the office. However, at 36-years old, you can’t have many of those.
As far as who’s the possible first defense for Eblen goes; it might come from someone also picking up a win in Connecticut. Anatoly Tokov absolutely wrecked Muhammad Abdullah, so they’re on the same time schedule. As it’s doubtful even though as an icon in the sport Mousasi needs to run it back right now. Tokov has underrated lights out power, and with TeamFedor will have an answer for the wrestling. For as good as American wrestling is, Russian sambo IS on another level.
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