THACKERVILLE, Okla. – Johnny Eblen has plenty of history to look back on if he wants some motivation early in his MMA career.
Eblen wrestled collegiately at the University of Missouri. That’s the same school that produced Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler, former welterweight champ Ben Askren (who also was a titleholder for ONE Championship), and former 170-pound UFC champ Tyron Woodley.
Just four wins into his pro career, Eblen got a little help from Bellator’s Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal to get hooked up with the promotion, and Friday he’ll make his debut. Eblen (4-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) takes on Chauncey Foxworth (9-7 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in a middleweight bout on the prelims.
Bellator 218 takes place at WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Okla. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Check out the interview with Eblen in the video above to hear about his Missouri wrestling roots, training at American Top Team and more.
For more on Bellator 218, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
