There’s no doubt that the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is filled with strong personalities and even stronger competitors. In a recent statement, Johnny Eblen confidently asserted that he and Sean Strickland are the premier Middleweights across the globe. This bold claim comes ahead of Eblen’s upcoming title defence against Fabian Edwards at the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants event, scheduled for October 19, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As the reigning Bellator Middleweight champion, Eblen has been a hot topic of discussion among MMA fans, particularly regarding his status as one of the elite fighters competing outside the UFC. The anticipation surrounding his bout with Edwards, where they previously met at Bellator 299 in 2023—resulting in a knockout victory for Eblen—has added to the intrigue.
During a media day for the forthcoming event, you might be surprised to hear Eblen’s take on who holds the top spot in the Middleweight division. He stated, “I’m going to have to go with my boy, Sean Strickland. Every time I go out to train with him in Las Vegas, it’s through rounds. He gets me sometimes; I get him sometimes.” This camaraderie and competitive spirit exemplifies the mate-ship amongst elite fighters, further strengthening their claims to the title of best in the business.
Despite varying promotions, Eblen and Strickland often train together, pushing each other to their limits during rigorous training camps. Eblen elaborates that their friendship, despite training for different organisations, is beneficial as it allows both athletes to remain in peak condition while earning good pay. It’s clear that both fighters have mutual respect for one another, seeing as they share the same aspirations within their respective careers.
However, Eblen remains pragmatic about the nature of competition in MMA, acknowledging that “any guy can have his day” in the octagon. With the Middleweight division being filled with talented fighters, he understands that rankings can swiftly change with just one fight. He mentioned that there’s a top five and insisted that any one of those contenders could claim the championship title on any given day.
You can’t deny that the rivalry and friendly competition between Johnny Eblen and Sean Strickland adds an interesting dynamic to the Middleweight scene. This narrative is further fueled by their ongoing training sessions, which fans eagerly anticipate hearing more about as they prep for their respective fights, and gives insight into how two fighters at the top of their game continually sharpen their skills.
While the MMA community gears up for the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, it’s clear that Eblen’s assertion may stir conversations among fans and analysts alike. With Eblen’s impending title defence against Edwards and Strickland’s ongoing battles in the UFC, you can expect the debate over who truly reigns supreme in the Middleweight division to only intensify in the future.
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