Uncasville, CT — Top five ranked middleweight Johnny Eblen did more of the same in his latest Bellator MMA appearance at Bellator 262.
Taking on Bellator newcomer Travis Davis, Eblen knew that he would get the best version of his opponent, who was clearly fighting for a chance at a long term signing with the major promotion.
“That guy was fighting for a contract tonight,” Eblen told the media outlets including Cageside Press following the fight on Friday night. “That was the best Travis Davis that was going to show up. He wanted to brawl with me, I kind of wanted to brawl with him too, just to show him I was better. But at the end of the day I gotta get that win,” Eblen continued. “Come home untouched.”
Eblen is one of three American Top Team members who had their hand raised at Bellator 262. Although ranked previous to this win at #5, Eblen called out Ireland’s Charlie Ward, ranked at #6, to test himself against next. Despite being just inside the top five himself, Eblen has yet to face a fellow top 10 opponent. Eblen went on to say that the contract on his side is signed, and they are awaiting Ward’s team to respond.
“Travel the world and fight people in their home country,” Eblen told the media in regards to his plan. “Charlie Ward is a big name, we might be going somewhere in his area. He’s a top 10 opponent, it’d be a really good fight for the fans.”
Eblen continued to explain his callout of the Irishman by adding “I’m 9-0, I haven’t fought a ranked guy. Doesn’t make sense to fight somebody up. Let’s see if I’m #5.”
Watch the full Bellator 262 post-fight press scrum with Johnny Eblen above.
