Gegard Mousasi hoped to remain energetic in 2022 and the reigning Bellator middleweight champion simply acquired his want granted.
Mousasi will return to the Bellator cage in the summertime to defend his championship towards Johnny Eblen at Bellator 282, the upcoming occasion scheduled to happen on June 24 at Mohegan Solar Enviornment in Uncasville, Conn. Ariel Helwani was first to report the struggle and it was later confirmed by the promotion.
Now on his second reign as champion, Mousasi has efficiently defended his title twice. The ‘Dreamcatcher’ completed John Salter and Austin Vanderford by technical knockout at Bellator 264 and Bellator 275, respectively.
An undefeated prospect, Eblen earned his championship alternative with a unanimous choice over the aforementioned Salter at Bellator 276 this previous March. ‘The Human Cheat Code’ improved to 11-0 as an expert, with seven of these wins coming below the Bellator banner. Following his win over Salter, the American Prime Staff product mentioned he was completely prepared for Mousasi subsequent.
“I’m a person who likes to work, so no matter will get me the following struggle, I’m all the way down to do it,” mentioned Eblen throughout his post-fight press convention (video supplied by MMA Junkie). “Clearly I’d like to struggle for the title. If that doesn’t occur, so be it. However I’m the No. 1 contender now, and the man hasn’t fought me but. So let’s do it possibly.”
Additionally featured at Bellator 282 is a pair of quarterfinal fights for the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix. Magomed Magomedov and Leandro Higo are nonetheless awaiting opponents, however they may quickly be decided by the wild card fights set for Bellator 278 in April. The winner of Enrique Barzola vs. Josh Hill meets Magomedov and the winner of Jornel Lugo vs. Danny Sabatello faces Higo.
Moreover, Alejandra Lara takes on Ilara Joanne at flyweight.
The present lineup of Bellator 282 is as follows:
Fundamental Card
Gegard Mousasi vs. Johnny Eblen
Magomed Magomedov vs. Enrique Barzola/Josh Hill
Leandro Higo vs. Jornel Lugo/Danny Sabatello
Preliminary Card
Alejandra Lara vs. Ilara Joanne
