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Jorge Masvidal recently lauded a Bellator champion, declaring that he envisions this fighter as a future titleholder in the UFC.
The individual in question is none other than Masvidal's teammate at American Top Team (ATT), reigning Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen.
Eblen launched his professional MMA career under the Shamrock FC banner in July 2017, quickly rising through the ranks. After just four fights, he caught the attention of Bellator MMA, making his promotional debut in March 2019, securing a commanding decision victory over Chauncey Foxworth.
Eblen extended his undefeated streak by dethroning Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 282 in July 2022, capturing the middleweight title in the process. The 32-year-old native is coming off a split decision victory over 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay at the highly anticipated PFL vs. Bellator event this past February.
"Gamebred" sees immense potential in Eblen and confidently predicts that he is destined for an even greater future in the sport...
Masvidal Claims Eblen Shines Brighter Than Other Training Partners At ATT
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Masvidal was asked about the fighter who has challenged him the most during training sessions at ATT, as he charts his own MMA comeback. The former BMF titleholder acknowledged that while all his training partners are high-level competitors, Eblen stands out as someone who appears to be in a league of his own.
"Gamebred" expressed his belief that Eblen could eventually make his way to the UFC and has the potential to become a champion in the world’s premier MMA promotion.
Everybody I shake hands with and train with, they're all pushing me; they're all freaking pushing me, man. But I got in some good quality rounds with Johnny," Masvidal said. "Johnny's getting ready to scrap, and f**k, he's like on another level right now; he's hitting the gas pedal very hard. He's a real nightmare right now at the gym for everybody he's going with. I'm never gonna name anyone, but there are a lot of guys Johnny's going in there with, man, and he's putting in good work. I think this guy's going to be a future UFC champion.
Eblen is preparing to defend his title in a rematch against former rival Fabian Edwards on the main card of PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, scheduled for October 19 at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Eblen boasts an impressive undefeated record of 15-0, with six of those victories achieved through submissions.