Johnny Eblen retained the Bellator middleweight title at PFL's Battle Of The Giants pay-per-view by beating Fabian Edwards via unanimous decision.
The champion was largely dominant throughout the first four rounds, consistently landing his takedowns without landing too much significant damage.
Edwards tried to turn the tide in the fifth frame, which was by far his best of the fight as he kept the fight standing and put the pressure on the American, Unfortunately for him, it was too little, too late.
Eblen got the stoppage the first time they met in Dublin, and though he was unable to put Edwards away the second time around, the result wasn't in doubt at the end of the five rounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
MMA Fans React To A Slow, Grueling Bellator Middleweight Title Rematch
MMA fans reacted on social media to the Eblen vs. Edwards rematch that took place as the first of three title fights on the PFL's second PPV event of the year.
Many were critical of Eblen's performance despite his dominant victory to retain the title. Others compared it to the manner in which Fabian's brother, UFC star Leon Edwards, was dethroned by Belal Muhammad in Manchester this past July.