Johnny Eblen: ‘I Know I Can Beat Every Single Middleweight’
The next step in Johnny Eblen’s journey toward becoming the best middleweight in the world takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 24.
Courtesy Bellator
Eblen has narrowed his focus onto Impa Kasanganay. This is one the more compelling bouts pitting Bellator’s best against the PFL, and Eblen–the reigning Bellator middleweight champion–plans to dominate PFL’s Light Heavyweight tournament winner.
“This is the biggest fight card I’ve ever seen outside of the UFC,” said Eblen. “I’m very excited to be part of it. It’s going to be fun.”
Courtesy Bellator
Eblen (14-0) won all 10 of his Bellator fights. He looked especially dominant when he dethroned Gegard Mousasi in June of 2022. Kasanganay (15-3), who split his four fights in the UFC, has not fought the same caliber of opponents.
“I’m on a different level,” said Eblen. “At the same time, any grown man with some technique can knock you out. If I’m not on point, I’ll f------ lose this fight. So I’m not taking any shortcuts. That mentality is going to show how I’m on a different level than him.”
Eblen will be a free agent in the fall of 2025. When that happens, a bidding war will likely ensue between PFL and the UFC.
“I plan to test free agency and see what’s out there,” said Eblen. “We’ll see how everything plays out. I know I can beat every single middleweight. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to get in the cage with everyone I want to fight. I really want to put myself out there and test myself.
“The priority is focusing on my fundamentals. If I keep getting better, then my probabilities are super high when I do step in the cage. I try not to think too much about winning. My focus is dominating each second of each round.”
Courtesy Bellator
As of now, it is unlikely that Eblen will compete in a PFL season.
“I think they’re going to keep me on Bellator cards so I can defend my title–that’s the plan for now,” said Eblen, who would make more money in two fights than he would in the entire tournament. “It wouldn’t make sense [financially], unless they wanted to do a different type of contract.”
If Eblen keeps winning fights, the rest will take care of itself. Next on that hit list is Kasanganay, a dangerous opponent yet one who does not appear to operate in the same elite realm at Eblen.
“This is going to be a special fight,” said Eblen. “It’s legendary fights on the card in Riyadh, there is going to be a lot of violence, and I can’t wait to put on a fantastic performance.”
