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Jan Blachowicz knocked out Corey Anderson in the first round at UFC Rio Rancho.
In the main event of UFC Rio Rancho, Jan Blachowicz knocked out Corey Anderson to solidify himself as a possible next contender for the light heavyweight title.
What was the high point of the fight?
Both men started by exchanging strikes on the feet. Anderson has some gold success with leg kicks early on, whilst Blachowicz was throwing some heavy hooks on the counter.
As Anderson stepped into range to try and land a leg kick, Blachowicz ducked under and threw a big right hand that dropped Anderson. After landing a follow-up hammer fist, referee Herb Dean rightfully stopped the fight and Blachowicz walked away with the first-round KO win.
Where do both men go from here?
The loss snaps a four-fight winning streak for Anderson. After his KO win against Johny Walker, it was clear Anderson felt he was getting the respect he deserved at 205-pounds. Obviously Anderson is still a top contender in the division, but he will need a few more wins before getting a chance at the title.
Blachowicz now has seven wins in his last eight fights at light heavyweight. The 36-year-old’s only loss has come to fellow top contender Thiago Santos. If the UFC doesn’t decide to grant Dominick Reyes a rematch against Jon Jones, then Jan Blachowicz will be next in line for ‘Bones’.
Watch it now, later or never?
Watch it now, and see the big KO by Blachowicz.