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Jorge Masvidal, the renowned UFC veteran, has always had a knack for identifying promising talent. Recently, he turned the spotlight on his American Top Team (ATT) teammate and current Bellator Middleweight Champion, Johnny Eblen. In a recent interview, Masvidal praised Eblen’s relentless work ethic and unparalleled growth inside the gym, boldly predicting that Eblen could be a future UFC champion.
“Everybody I shake hands with and train with, they’re all pushing me; they’re all freaking pushing me, man," Masvidal shared. "But I got in some good quality rounds with Johnny."
Eblen, who has been steadily climbing the ranks in Bellator, is known for his impressive wrestling and well-rounded skills. However, according to Masvidal, his recent training sessions show a fighter on the cusp of reaching new heights. "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."
Masvidal’s praise doesn’t come lightly. At American Top Team, one of the premier MMA gyms in the world, fighters are constantly pushing each other to new limits. Yet, Eblen’s recent performances in the gym have left a lasting impression on Masvidal, who was reluctant to name specific training partners but hinted at the high-level competition Eblen is dominating.
"There are a lot of guys Johnny’s going in there with, man, and he’s putting in good work," Masvidal added. "I think this guy’s going to be a future UFC champion."
While Eblen continues to shine in Bellator, fans and analysts alike have begun speculating about a potential crossover to the UFC. Eblen has demonstrated that he possesses the skillset necessary to compete at the highest level, and if Masvidal’s prediction holds true, it’s only a matter of time before the world sees Eblen enter the UFC’s middleweight ranks and challenge for gold.
The 31-year-old Eblen boasts an undefeated record in Bellator, with a combination of dominant wrestling, striking, and grappling. His standout performances in recent years have established him as one of the most dangerous middleweights outside the UFC, and Masvidal’s confidence in his future speaks volumes about his potential.
As Masvidal’s storied UFC career winds down, he may very well be passing the torch to the next generation of champions, and Johnny Eblen appears poised to carry it forward. Whether in Bellator or the UFC, one thing is clear: Eblen is a name to watch closely in the coming years.
If Eblen does make the leap to the UFC, he’ll enter one of the most stacked divisions in the sport, with fighters like Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Dricus Du Plessis dominating the middleweight landscape. But with Masvidal’s endorsement and his relentless work ethic, Eblen could become a nightmare for anyone who stands in his way.
Fans will be eager to see if Masvidal’s bold prediction comes true and if Johnny Eblen’s journey to UFC stardom is just beginning.
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