--- title: "Strickland Bets on Eblen UFC Title Shot" description: "Sean Strickland forecasts a PFL-UFC collision course, tipping Johnny Eblen for a title shot." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sean-strickland-says-johnny-eblen-will-win-pfl-belt-jump-to-0a32ce85 published: 2026-07-03T08:15:03.153+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:15:03.153+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Strickland Bets on Eblen UFC Title Shot > Sean Strickland forecasts a PFL-UFC collision course, tipping Johnny Eblen for a title shot. Sean Strickland has dropped a bombshell prediction: Johnny Eblen will win PFL gold, jump to the UFC, and challenge him for the middleweight title. The former UFC middleweight champion made the call after Eblen’s dominant run in PFL competition, where he defended his title twice in 2024 with finishes inside the first round. Strickland, who lost the UFC belt to Israel Adesanya in 2023, framed the potential showdown as a necessary unification clash to settle the division’s top contender. Eblen, the reigning PFL middleweight champion, has not fought in the UFC since 2019, when he was submitted by Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 146. Since joining PFL in 2021, he has compiled a 7-0 record, including five stoppages, and defended his title against the likes of Rory MacDonald and Denis Tiuliulin. His contract with PFL expires after the 2025 season, with UFC rumors intensifying following the league’s merger with Bellator. Strickland’s prediction adds pressure on UFC president Dana White to fast-track a middleweight unification bout. The UFC currently recognizes Alex Pereira as its middleweight champion, but Pereira’s recent struggles—including a decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis in March 2025—have left the division’s hierarchy in flux. White has repeatedly stated the UFC will pursue unification fights, but no formal talks have been reported for the 185-pound weight class. Eblen’s camp has not commented on the prediction, but Strickland’s track record of calling out top contenders—including Adesanya and Du Plessis—has given his words weight. If Eblen secures PFL gold again in 2025, the UFC may have no choice but to engage. Strickland isn't just picking a name out of a hat; he is targeting a stylistic foil that creates box-office gold. Eblen’s suffocating wrestling and top-game pressure offer a stark contrast to Strickland’s vertical boxing and psychological warfare, setting up a classic striker-versus-grappler dynamic. By vocalizing this scenario, Strickland effectively cuts the line, using his platform to manufacture a super-fight while the UFC’s official rankings stagnate. It is a calculated power play that ignores the deserving contenders currently circling the octagon, forcing the promotion to consider the financial windfall of a cross-promotional grudge match over standard meritocracy. The financial and structural mechanics of the sport make this transition increasingly plausible. The PFL’s absorption of Bellator has left the promotion with a glut of high-priced talent, making the UFC the inevitable destination for elite free agents like Eblen once his deal expires. Unlike past cross-promotion failures, this scenario lacks a contractual buyout barrier, allowing the UFC to seamlessly integrate Eblen as a challenger. This approach mirrors the UFC’s historical strategy of validating its dominance by absorbing rival champions, but with the added twist of a champion entering his physical prime rather than as a rental name. What’s next: Eblen defends his PFL middleweight title in the 2025 regular season, with the playoffs and championship set for November. A potential UFC contract would hinge on those results, while Strickland remains on the sidelines awaiting his next move. ## Why this matters Strickland’s prediction isn’t just idle talk—it’s a calculated nudge toward a middleweight unification fight that could redefine the division. For the UFC, it’s a chance to clean up a crowded title picture and leverage PFL’s rising stars. For PFL, it’s a litmus test of its post-merger relevance, proving its champions belong in the UFC’s octagon. The ripple effects could reshape MMA’s power dynamics, forcing the UFC’s hand on unification while testing PFL’s ability to produce elite talent ready for the biggest stage. ## Frequently asked ### Has Johnny Eblen ever fought in the UFC? Yes. Eblen’s UFC record stands at 1-1, with his lone win coming against Tom Breese in 2018. He was submitted by Anthony Smith in his second fight in 2019. ### How many times has Eblen defended his PFL middleweight title? Eblen has defended his PFL middleweight title twice, both by first-round stoppage, in 2024. His most recent defense was against Denis Tiuliulin in June 2024. ### What is Sean Strickland’s current UFC status? Strickland lost the UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya in September 2023 and has not fought since. He remains under contract but has been sidelined by injuries and contractual disputes. ### Could a PFL-UFC merger affect Eblen’s contract? Yes. Eblen’s PFL contract expires after the 2025 season. The league’s merger with Bellator and ongoing UFC interest could accelerate his transition to the UFC if he wins another PFL title. ### Who is the current UFC middleweight champion? Alex Pereira holds the UFC middleweight title as of mid-2025. Pereira defeated Dricus Du Plessis by decision in March 2025, though his reign has faced scrutiny due to recent losses. ### Has the UFC ever pursued a PFL fighter for a title fight? No formal unification bout has been announced, but UFC president Dana White has repeatedly stated the organization will pursue unification fights to clear up divisional chaos. ## Sources & Citations - [Sean Strickland Says Johnny Eblen Will Win PFL Belt, Jump To UFC And Fight Him For Gold](https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/sean-strickland-johnny-eblen-ufc-pfl-title-fight/) — MiddleEasy (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Strickland Bets on Eblen UFC Title Shot. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sean-strickland-says-johnny-eblen-will-win-pfl-belt-jump-to-0a32ce85