Jan Blachowicz ended Israel Adesanya’s run for a second belt last night (Sat., Mar. 6, 2021) at UFC 259 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the light heavyweight champion outlasted “Last Stylebender” to the tune of a unanimous decision.
The first round was a long feeling out period, but it was Adesanya who earned the early momentum. He was able to land some solid jabs and leg kicks as Blachowicz bit on almost every feint. Adesanya continued his attacks on Blachowicz’s legs in the second round, but the light heavyweight champion was finally finding a home for his punches. He also won a physical exchange with Adesanya when the two fighter briefly grappled in the center of the Octagon.
The third round saw Blachowicz land some solid combinations in the early going before Adesanya checked him with a counter punch and regained control. Adesanya scored a little more with his lead jab, but Blachowicz did get another tie-up along the cage. Blachowicz regained full control in the fourth after blasting “Last Stylebender” with a hard right hand and an eventual takedown for top control.
In Round 5, Adesanya started to land some great shots from range as a tired Blachowicz didn’t offer much offense. Adesanya started to taunt the light heavyweight champion and that allowed Blachowicz to score a much needed takedown. Blachowicz maintained top control for the remainder of the round to make a lasting impression on the judges.
In the end, it was Blachowicz who walked away with the unanimous decision win.
Check out the full fight video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:
Undefeated, undisputed at middleweight…
Can @Stylebender add another another division to his resume?
[ Get the #UFC259 PPV: https://t.co/nGwZHz1w1j ] pic.twitter.com/7jXMNoA6VI
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2021
Legendary. Polish. Power.
@JanBlachowicz marches to send Adesanya back to 185.
[ Get the #UFC259 PPV: https://t.co/nGwZHz1w1j ] pic.twitter.com/YAt4BUVf2s
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2021
Round de estudio y tensión. Comienzan a conectar fuerte! #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/g6IaQEkXus
— ufcespanol (@UFCEspanol) March 7, 2021
A taste of the power from @JanBlachowicz! #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/0VV3HGb6rR
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2021
Cerrada pelea hasta ahora! Vamos a los rounds de campeonato! #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/S3Wfs7OhYI
— ufcespanol (@UFCEspanol) March 7, 2021
MASSIVE!
@JanBlachowicz puts himself in position to secure the final round. #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/k5Q7CjdHad
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2021
WE NEED THOSE SCORECARDS ASAP #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/reG8UG0QD3
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2021
Jan thought Izzy was offering him a body guard gig when he complimented his guard #UFC259 pic.twitter.com/NRHb2ZWeT5
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2021
For complete UFC 259 results and coverage click here.