Bellator 290: What’s Next For the 2 Champions?

“And still” was the theme of the two championship bouts at Bellator 290 on Saturday night in Inglewood, California. Ryan Bader and Johnny Eblen both successfully defended their titles.

Bader, the heavyweight champion, spoiled the retirement fight of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. “Darth Bader” also became the first and only man to defeat “The Last Emperor” twice. Bader sat Emelianenko down and then followed it up with ground and pound, forcing a TKO stoppage 2:30 into the main event.

An emotional scene followed as Emelianenko was seen off with in-the-cage visits from fellow MMA luminaries of his era.

Eblen, who is still on the upswing in his career, turned aside the challenge of the experienced…