Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Get up to date on the light heavyweight title fight between Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz at UFC 253.
In the co-main event of UFC 253 this weekend, top contenders Dominick Reyes (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) and Jan Blachowicz (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) will fight for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. UFC 253 marks the return to “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 11th. The main card will start with a fight time of 10:00 p.m. ET / 7.00 p.m. PT, with the ESPN prelims beginning at 7:00 p.m ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
How do these two stack up?
Reyes: 30 years old | 6’4” | 77” reach
Blachowicz: 37 years old | 6’2” | 78” reach
How did these two get here?
Reyes: L – Jon Jones (DEC) | W – Chris Weidman (KO) | W – Volkan Oezdemir (DEC)
Blachowicz: W – Corey Anderson (KO) | W – Ronaldo Souza (UD) | W – Luke Rockhold (KO)
What have these two done recently?
In some people’s eyes, Dominick Reyes should have his hands on the 205-pound title already. “The Devastator” gave pound-for-pound number one Jon Jones his toughest fight in years at UFC 247 earlier this year, losing by a extremely close split decision. That loss was the first of Reyes’ professional career, previously winning fights at light heavyweight against Volkan Oezdemir and former middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
Blachowicz was always calling for his shot against Jones during his time as champion, itching to show ‘Bones’ his “Polish power.” The 37-year-old has won his last three fights at 205-pounds, knocking out both Corey Anderson and Luke Rockhold and winning a decision against Ronaldo Souza. Blachowicz only has one loss in last eight UFC appearances.
Why should you care?
This fight will crown the first light heavyweight champion not named Jon Jones or Daniel Cormier in ten years. In a way it’s a historic matchup, so you should definitely pay attention to what should be an entertaining affair.