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More than a few eyebrows were raised when Polish power puncher, Jan Blachowicz, threatened to “fist” Jon Jones in their inevitable title fight, because in English, we typically say “punch” to make sure we’re 100-percent clear in our intentions.
While I was mildly amused at the thought of Blachowicz chasing “Bones” around the cage in a dogged attempt to dig for light heavyweight turnips, I’m not sure that kind of offense is allowed under the unified rules of mixed martial arts.
“I know how to use my fist, but only to punch people,” Blachowicz told MMA Fighting’s Eurobash podcast. “It’s not what they’re thinking, you know. I think it’s good that everyone spoke about this. Right now, it’s done a really good job. And Jon Jones started this conversation first, I just answered.”
Blachowicz is trying to keep his name atop a very short list of title contenders as the promotion contemplates the bigger fight for “Bones.” Also in the running is Dominick Reyes, who lost a controversial decision to Jones at UFC 247.
“It was a funny reaction and it was a big reaction, but most importantly people are talking about this,” Blachowicz continued. “My English, I’m still learning. I’m still learning how to use my words. People want to hear what I have to say in the correct way, so I think every time it’s going to be a little bit better.”
Jones is expected to make his next light heavyweight title defense in July.