Gegard Mousasi sees ‘nothing new’ in Bellator 282 foe Johnny Eblen

Gegard Mousasi is unfazed at the possibility of squaring off against another wrestlling-minded opponent.

The reigning middleweight champion will attempt to defend his belt when he faces Johnny Eblen in the Bellator 282 headliner on June 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Eblen’s credentials include an undefeated MMA record and a standout career as a wrestler at the University of Missouri. After stoppage wins against Austin Vanderford and John Satler in his previous two promotional appearances, Mousasi doesn’t believe Eblen brings anything new to the table.

“The last two opponents were similar style wrestlers, take you down, hold you and ground-and-pound. Basically I’ve been training for a guy like him for a year almost now,” Mousasi said during a Bellator 282 virtual media day. “So, nothing new.”

Eblen secured the title shot with a three-round verdict over Salter at Bellator 276 this past March. Mousasi will represent a significant step up in competition for “The Human Cheat Code.” That said, Mousasi acknowledges that since his opponent is a relative newcomer, he could bring new skills to the table in their fight.

“[There’s] lot of things I haven’t seen from him,” Mousasi said. “I haven’t seen him on his back. I haven’t seen him go five rounds. Who knows? We’ll see.”

Much of the intrigue surrounding Mousasi involves his future, whether it’s a potential middleweight title bout against Yoel Romero or a move up to 205 pounds in a bid to become a two-division champion.

“I haven’t looked past this fight,” Mousasi said. “There’s Corey Anderson and our Russian friend [Vadim Nemkov]. [If] Yoel Romeo is in there as a middleweight, I would like that. But let’s see how this fight goes first.”

Regardless, Mousasi hopes to maintain an active itinerary. Eblen will be his third fight in 10 months and he’d like to keep that momentum going.

“They’re gonna keep me busy,” he said. “If things go well, I’m gonna fight end of the year probably.”

Mousasi acknowledges that Bellator brass were happier with his efforts against Salter and Vanderford than they were with decision wins over Douglas Lima and Lyoto Machida. “The Dreamcatcher” has designs on making short work of Eblen, as well.

“I’m coming to finish,” he said. “I talked to Scott [Coker] and my performances against Douglas Lima and Machida were not appreciated. So we have to put on a show. If Eblen comes to fight, it’s going to be even better. It’s going to be a good and exciting fight.”