.png)
When it comes to the fierce battleground of middleweight MMA, one name is currently shining brighter than the rest: Johnny Eblen. At Bellator 299's main event in Dublin's 3Arena, Eblen put on a show that left the world in awe. After a "vicious third-round beatdown," Eblen cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with.
The opening rounds of the bout saw Eblen seize control, showcasing his striking prowess with high-volume punches and kicks, while relentlessly pursuing takedowns. Fabian Edwards, no slouch himself, countered with ferocious clinch work and a devastating elbow that opened a gash over Eblen's eye. The fight seemed to hang in the balance as the cut threatened to disrupt Eblen's rhythm. But true champions rise above adversity, and Eblen was no exception.
In the blink of an eye, Eblen unleashed a thunderous right hook that sent Edwards to the canvas. With the precision of a surgeon, Eblen finished the fight with an onslaught of ground-and-pound, leaving no doubt about his dominance.
With this emphatic victory, Eblen extended his professional record to a perfect 14-0, raising eyebrows across the MMA world.
The co-main event witnessed Aaron Pico's spectacular demolition of Pedro Carvalho. Pico's hype proved justified as he dropped Carvalho multiple times, securing a first-round victory and propelling himself closer to a title shot.
In a closely contested women's featherweight bout, Sara Collins remained undefeated, edging out Sinead Kavanagh in a split decision that showcased the resilience of both fighters.
The night also marked the end of an era as Daniel Weichel retired from his storied 57-fight career, laying his gloves down in the cage after a unanimous decision loss to Mads Burnell. Burnell's relentless pressure and combinations proved too much for the veteran, making it a memorable farewell for Weichel.
And in a spectacular opener, Levan Chokheli delivered a Knockout of the Year contender with a devastating front kick that sent Sabah Homasi to dreamland in the first round. Chokheli's win streak continues, hinting at even greater challenges on the horizon.
Bellator 299 was a night filled with exhilarating moments and unforgettable performances, but Johnny Eblen's dominant display will surely be etched in MMA history as one of the defining moments of his career.