Bellator 299: 3Arena; Dublin, Ireland
He might very well be the best 185-pound fighter in all of mixed-martial arts. Johnny Eblen is a well rounded fighter with hardly any holes. After climbing the ladder in the rankings and grabbing the strap from one of the all-time greats in Gegard Mousasi, he remains unbeaten. The 31-year old is now 14-0 after a name change but same result.
Things got testy in the lead up to the fight with Fabian Edwards and remained so seconds after it was over. However, eventually things appeared to be squashed between him and Team-Edwards including Leon Edwards.
Now going by “PRESSURE”; Eblen, was pressured early circling to his right along the fence by Edwards. Eblen attempted takedowns that were thwarted by the improved wrestling defense of Edwards. And despite each having moments, Eblen had more volume with better results. Despite Edwards kicking game.
Eblen momentarily dropped Edwards, who refused to stay down via from leather or takedown attempt. Along the cage with some dirty boxing Edwards sliced open a big cut by Eblen’s right eye from a left elbow. It was quickly and greatly sealed up by his cut-man though.
Then it took the Floridian just 21-seconds of the third-round to eat a counter left from Edwards and drop him with his own right hand. He then jumped on the fallen challenger and landed ground-and-pound till referee BRYAN MINOR waived the fight off. Edwards had a decent gameplan, it’s just Eblen is relentless.
Name Change Same Result At 185
Although he didn’t call anyone out post-fight, after being separated from the UFC Welterweight Champion; there might be a good reason for that. There really isn’t anyone ready to stand opposite him. Technically, Anatoly Tokov who just lost to the champion could be run back. And that’s because the Russian pushed him to the scorecards. Edwards can’t requested an automatic rematch, because this was a decisive win. Possibly Aaron Jeffery would be next man up; but he hasn’t been put through tests.
Or purhaps the champion decides to sit on the sidelines, wait till the smoke clears in the division. Or until the company is sold and he gets gobbled up by the UFC.
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