Dustin Poirier is confident that Johnny Eblen will not only claim victory this weekend but will also maintain his undefeated streak. Both top fighters from the American Top Team will be competing on the same day: Poirier headlining UFC 318 in Louisiana, while Eblen defends his PFL middleweight title in South Africa against Costello Van Steenis. Although Poirier fights at lightweight and Eblen at middleweight, they train together, supporting each other to bring wins back to their Florida gym.
The American Top Team is renowned for nurturing elite athletes, with Dustin Poirier being a standout figure—known for his toughness and dedication. Poirier, a former interim UFC lightweight champion, regularly trains with heavier fighters and was present at Eblen’s PFL camp to show his support. He praised Eblen, calling him the best fighter he’s seen and highlighting his commitment to training and improvement.
Saturday promises to be a challenging night for both fighters. Poirier has already secured two wins over his UFC rival and competed for Max Holloway’s BMF title. Meanwhile, Eblen faces a formidable opponent in Van Steenis, who boasts a strong record, including wins over Fabian Edwards and Jois Vitre Dantas, with a 75% finishing rate and a swift recent knockout. This fight marks Eblen’s first title defense in the PFL Champions Series since transitioning from Bellator earlier this year.
Fan Take: This moment is significant for fight fans as it highlights the rise of dominant champions across different promotions, showing the depth and talent in MMA today. Poirier’s belief in Eblen’s potential emphasizes the global growth of the sport and sets the stage for thrilling matchups that can shape MMA’s future landscape.
