THE BACKBREAKERS AND BITES PODCAST – EPISODE 14
Johnny “Pressure” Eblen
In this Episode Of The Podcast:
“I just have a lot of pent-up energy, and wrestling was the best way for me to release that. I like the violence in it… it just felt right.”
In this episode of Backbreakers and Bites, we sit down with the Bellator Middleweight Champion, Johnny Eblen, at Namu Korean Restaurant. Johnny takes us through his unique upbringing as the son of a U.S. military father and a Korean mother, and how his collegiate wrestling pedigree at the University of Missouri eventually led him to the world-class mats of American Top Team. From his “Diamond Hands” crypto phase to sparring wars with Sean Strickland at Xtreme Couture, Johnny discusses the evolution of his striking and why he believes he’s only just beginning to enter his prime.
Contents
Show Notes and Highlights
About the Restaurant
Featured Links
Show Notes and Highlights
Key Topics and Discussions
The Mizzou Roots & Job Hunt: Johnny details his time as an academic All-American at the University of Missouri and his original plan to become a physical therapist. He shares the wild story of moving to Florida for a job at a paving company, only to be lured into the pro fighting world by Steve Mocco.
Living with Mike Brown: Before the big paychecks, Johnny lived in Mike Brown’s spare bedroom to dedicate his life to training. He recounts the early days of working on his jab from zero striking knowledge and how the veteran coach helped mold him into a world champion.
Sparring with Sean Strickland: Johnny pulls back the curtain on his training trips to Las Vegas. He describes the “respectful wars” at Xtreme Couture, explaining why Sean is the only guy who can push him for five rounds and how those sessions forced his striking to level up.
The Evolution of “Johnny Pressure”: From “Seoulja Boy” to “The Human Cheat Code,” Johnny breaks down the stories behind his ever-changing nicknames. He explains the “Johnny Pressure” transition during a hot streak at a Vegas craps table and why he views his brand collections as limited-edition releases.
Featured Segment: The Prime Philosophy
Functional Patterns & Longevity: Johnny dives deep into his training philosophy, crediting Functional Patterns for negating injuries and improving his biomechanics. He explains why he feels he’s getting younger and faster at 32, asserting that he hasn’t even hit his plateau yet and that his best performances are still six months away.
About NAMU
For this episode, Johnny brought us to Namu, his go-to spot for authentic Korean flavors near his home. As a half-Korean fighter, Johnny gave us a masterclass in building the perfect KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) and Pork Belly lettuce wraps. From the Kimchi Pancakes to the Bulgogi, Namu provided the perfect high-protein fuel and “home-cooked” vibe for a champion’s appetite