.png)
In a bid to expedite his pursuit of a title fight, Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen has set his sights on a potential bout against UFC veteran Derek Brunson, eyeing a clash that promises fireworks at the upcoming PFL pay-per-view event in early 2024.
Despite the absence of his division within PFL, Eblen seeks to capitalize on the opportunity to fight on the promotion's card by stepping in as a backup. However, with the title bout featuring Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, Eblen's pursuit for a champ vs. champ showdown will remain unfulfilled, leading him to explore other options, with Brunson emerging as a prime candidate for an exhilarating matchup.
Eblen expressed eagerness for a showdown against Brunson, recognizing his opponent's illustrious tenure in the UFC and the prospect of adding a seasoned veteran's name to his resume.
"I would love to fight him," affirmed Eblen. "The guy has fought everybody. The who’s who in MMA, UFC veteran coming over to PFL, it would be a great matchup for me."
Responding to Eblen's callout, Brunson, fresh off a successful PFL debut, conveyed his openness to the bout, acknowledging Eblen's prowess and embracing the challenge.
"Johnny Eblen is a top guy, a top fighter," remarked Brunson. "I’m confident in my abilities to get the win there."
Eblen, aiming to solidify his standing as one of the premier middleweights in MMA, recognizes that facing established names from the UFC would bolster his reputation and combat the perceived notion that he solely competes against non-UFC competition.
"Since I’m not in the UFC, I’m going to take any UFC vet out," asserted Eblen. "That’s what I have to do to solidify my name, so I’m going to continue to do that."
While a potential bout with Brunson is at the forefront, Eblen also keeps an eye on Bellator's Aaron Jeffrey as an alternative challenger, emphasizing his desire to compete frequently and showcase his skill set during his prime years.
As the anticipation builds for PFL's event, the potential clash between Eblen and Brunson emerges as a tantalizing prospect, holding the promise of an enthralling battle between two seasoned fighters from different promotions vying for supremacy in the middleweight realm.