Tag: Jan Blachowicz

Jan Blachowicz wants Ji?í Procházka Next: “I think it will be a very good fight”

Jan Blachowicz wants Ji?í Procházka Next: "I think it will be a very good fight"Jan Blachowicz thinks a fight with Ji?í Procházka makes the most sense. Blachowicz has been on the shelf ever…

Jan Blachowicz wants Ji?í Procházka Next: "I think it will be a very good fight"

Jan Blachowicz thinks a fight with Ji?í Procházka makes the most sense.

Blachowicz has been on the shelf ever since a July 2023 loss to Alex Pereira in the current light heavyweight champion’s divisional debut. After undergoing a pair of should surgeries, the Polish powerhouse is healed up and is hoping to make his return to the Octagon before 2024 comes to a close.

Jan Blachowicz

As for who he could find himself competing against, Blachowicz believes there’s only one man who fits the bill. Well, maybe two.

“For me, what makes sense is Hill or Procházka,” Blachowicz told MiddleEasy. “I think Ji?í is in a dark place right now. I hope that he will come back and we make this fight because I think it will be a very good fight, a very exciting fight. So if not Pereira, I would like to fight against Procházka, somewhere in Europe that will be very big here — in Poland or maybe in Czech Republic. It will be a great event.

“Of course, [Hill makes sense too],” Blachowicz continued. “For me, only Pereira, Hill, Procházka. I don’t (want) anybody else” (h/t MMA News).

Jan Blachowicz criticizes Khalil Rountree’s title shot

Despite the long layoff, Blachowicz still holds things down as the No. 4 ranked contender in the light heavyweight division with only Jamahal Hill, Magomed Ankalaev, and Ji?í Procházka sitting above him. Realistically, any one of those fights would make sense.

However, we can’t imagine many people clamoring for a rematch against Ankalaev after their lackluster title tilt in 2022 resulted in a draw.

Meanwhile, Alex Pereira is gearing up for his third defense of the light heavyweight title after smashing his way through both Hill and Procházka earlier this year. In a surprising twist, ‘Poatan’ will meet No. 8 ranked contender Khalil Rountree in the UFC 307 main event on October 5 in Salt Lake City.

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Blachowicz, like many, was none-too-pleased to hear about Rountree’s opportunity to skip the line.

Jan Blachowicz

“With all due respect to Khalil but there are at least two higher ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan,” Blachowicz wrote on X. “He doesn’t need special protection.”

Jan B?achowicz Names Only 2 Opponents He’ll Accept To Fight In UFC Return Other Than Alex Pereira

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz has a firm view on the opposition he should be up against next time out. B?achowicz has been out of action ever since welcoming Alex Pereira to the division back in July 2023. The pair met in a close and competitive co-headliner at UFC 291, which went the […]

Continue Reading Jan B?achowicz Names Only 2 Opponents He’ll Accept To Fight In UFC Return Other Than Alex Pereira at MMA News.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz has a firm view on the opposition he should be up against next time out.

B?achowicz has been out of action ever since welcoming Alex Pereira to the division back in July 2023. The pair met in a close and competitive co-headliner at UFC 291, which went the distance and split opinion on who deserved the judges’ nod.

It was ultimately “Poatan” who had his hand raised, and he’s since grown his star no end at 205 pounds, first by winning the vacant gold at the expense of Ji?í Procházka and then by recording consecutive defenses over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 and in a rematch with “BJP” at International Fight Week this year.

All the while, B?achowicz has watched on as the Brazilian’s path of destruction in the division continues, with the memory of his narrow and controversial defeat remaining at the forefront.

With that in mind, the Polish powerhouse believes he deserves a second dance with the former kickboxing star upon his return from injury later this year.

But with “Poatan” instead preparing to face the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree in October, B?achowicz does have a couple of other names he’s willing to be matched up against…

B?achowicz Targets Procházka, Hill For UFC Title Eliminator

During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, B?achowicz looked ahead to his return, which comes after a shoulder injury that required surgery forced him out of a planned rematch with Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 297 this past January.

After reiterating his desire to be the one who unseats Pereira, the 41-year-old pointed to fellow European Procházka and another former champ in Hill as the only other names he will entertain.

“For me, what makes sense is Hill or Procházka,” B?achowicz said. “I think Ji?í is in a dark place right now. I hope that he will come back and we make this fight because I think it will be a very good fight, a very exciting fight. So if not Pereira, I would like to fight against Procházka, somewhere in Europe that will be very big here — in Poland or maybe in Czech Republic. It will be a great event.

“Of course, (Hill makes sense too),” B?achowicz continued. “For me, only Pereira, Hill, Procházka. I don’t (want) anybody else.”

It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the Polish fighter, but it’s clear that he’s less than pleased with his potential rematch with Pereira being passed over by Rountree’s surprise shot.

Believing the champ is being protected, B?achowicz will look to ensure that his claim to a title chance can’t be ignored by making an emphatic return later this year.

And when it comes to securing an opportunity to regain the crown, it would appear that he has former opponent Magomed Ankalaev to contend with, depending on how the Russian’s next outing goes.

Continue Reading Jan B?achowicz Names Only 2 Opponents He’ll Accept To Fight In UFC Return Other Than Alex Pereira at MMA News.

Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira gets ‘Special protection’ after UFC 307 booking with Khalil Rountree

Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira gets 'Special protection' after UFC 305 booking with Khalil RountreeFormer undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has alluded to apparent “special” treatment from the promotion toward incumbent gold…

Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira gets 'Special protection' after UFC 305 booking with Khalil Rountree

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has alluded to apparent “special” treatment from the promotion toward incumbent gold holder, Alex Pereira – in response to his matching against surging knockout artist, Khalil Rountree at UFC 305 at the beginning of October. 

Pereira, the current undisputed light heavyweight champion and former middleweight titleholder, is slated to headline UFC 307 later this year in the promotion’s return to Salt Lake City, Utah – taking on surging contender, Rountree in his third defense of the 205lbs crown.

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Receiving a slew of negative comments as a result, former titleholder, Jamahal Hill – who has been vocal in his pursuit of a rematch with Pereira, claimed his booking against Rountree was “bad” for mixed martial arts.

“Can’t believe what I just saw announced!!!” Jamahal Hill posted on his X account. “So a guy pulls out of a contender fight because of (sic) failed drug test for a banned substances (sic) and gets rewarded with a title shot?!! This is terrible for the sport and makes the rankings completely pointless!!!”

Daniel Cormier Slams UFC: Why Pereira vs. Ankalaev Fight Was Shelved

Jan Blachowicz unhappy with Alex Pereira’s next booking at UFC 307

Echoing those claims, Polish veteran, Blachowicz – who has yet to receive his own matchup as he recovers from shoulder surgery, claimed the Brazilian was receiving “special protection” from the UFC.

Jan Blachowicz

“With all due respect to Khalil but there are at least two higher ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan,” Jan Blachowicz said of Alex Pereira on his official X account. “He doesn’t need special protection.”

In his most recent win, Pereira managed to defend his light heavyweight crown for the second time back in June, landing a dominant second round high-kick knockout win over Jiri Prochazka with a blistering finish in a short-notice main event fight at UFC 303 during International Fight Week. 

Jan Blachowicz campaigns for UFC 310 return amid links to Alex Pereira rematch: ‘I’m back

Jan Blachowicz campaigns for UFC 310 return amid links to Alex Pereira fight I'm backStaking his claim for a title fight rematch with current light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, former gold holder, Jan…

Jan Blachowicz campaigns for UFC 310 return amid links to Alex Pereira fight I'm back

Staking his claim for a title fight rematch with current light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, former gold holder, Jan Blachowicz has called for a December return to the Octagon amid a series of shoulder injuries – with the Brazilian’s manager handpicking the Pole as the ideal next contender.

Blachowicz, a former undisputed light heavyweight champion, has been out of action since he fought the above-mentioned, Pereira in a title-eliminator back in July of last year at UFC 291, pushing the Brazilian the distance over the course of three rounds in a close, split decision loss in Salt Lake City.

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And forced from a year-star rematch with fellow European talent, Aleksandar Rakic due to a lingering shoulder injury – which required surgery to address, Blachowicz has been vocal in his quest for a rematch with Sao Paulo finisher, Pereira – particularly with spoils on the line.

Jan Blachowicz

Claiming to possess the “counter” to Pereira’s apparent magic inside the Octagon, Blachowicz was named as the ideal candidate to welcome the former two-weight champion to the Octagon in a bid for a third successful title defense.

Jan Blachowicz calls for December return to the Octagon

And with links emerging to a potential UFC 310 comeback in December for Pereira, Polish veteran, Blachowicz has called for a slot on the same card at the end of this year.

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“Woke up today. I drank my favorite coffee, walked with my dog, played with Jan Jr.” Jan Blachowicz posted on his official X account. “A normal day but something was different. I called the UFC office. I told them: sign me up for December. Feels like my old version is back. I’m back.”

Paving his way to the vacant light heavyweight crown back in 2020, Blachowicz took out multi-time title challenger, Dominick Reyes with a vicious knockout win on ‘Fight Island’.

And lodging a single successful title defense, former KSW champion, Blachowicz knocked back then-middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya with a unanimous decision win at the UFC Apex facility the following year, handing the City Kickboxing staple his first professional mixed martial arts defeat. 

Do you want to see Jan Blachowicz fight for the UFC title in his return to action?

Manager picks surprise rematch fight for Alex Pereira after brutal UFC 303 win: ‘That’s underwhelming’

Manager picks surprise rematch for Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win that's underwhelmingLinked with many a foe off the back of his dominant title defense win at UFC 303 last weekend,…

Manager picks surprise rematch for Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win that's underwhelming

Linked with many a foe off the back of his dominant title defense win at UFC 303 last weekend, Alex Pereira is being lined up to take on prior opponent in his next outing at 205lbs – in the form of ex-champion, Jan Blachowicz – that’s if his manager gets his wish.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight champion and the current light heavyweight gold holder, headlined last weekend’s pay-per-view return to Las Vegas, matching with former champion, Jiri Prochazka in another rematch clash at UFC 303.

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And laying waste to the Czech Republic favorite in his short-notice comeback with a terrifying high-kick KO stoppage in the opening seconds of the second round, Alex Pereira has been on the lips of many contenders at light heavyweight – whilst himself weighing up a heavyweight rise. 

Receiving callouts from the likes of former champion, Jamahal Hill who remains vocal in his wish to land grudge second clash with the Sao Paulo native, Pereira has also been warned by Magomed Ankalaev that he would be left beltless if they share the Octagon.

Alex Pereira calls for UFC 305 return in August after huge win at UFC 303 this guy is crazy

Alex Pereira tipped to fight Jan Blachowicz next by manager

However, a former-foe has also presented his case for a re-run with Pereira – coming as the sole contender at 205lbs to take the Brazilian the distance, in the form of the previously mentioned, Blachowicz.

Jan Blachowicz claims he was robbed by judges in decision loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 291
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger – USA TODAY Sports

And if Pereira’s manager, Jorge Guimares gets his wish, his client with meet the Pole in a rematch of their July fight last summer in Utah.

Welcoming former middleweight champion, Pereira to the light heavyweight ranks back in July of last year in Salt Lake City, Blachowicz forced the Brazilian knockout phenom the distance over the course of three rounds, dropping a split decision blemish in a tightly contested outing.

Staking his claim for another chance to meet fan-favorite finisher, Pereira immediately following UFC 305, perennial contender, Blachowicz claimed he had the “counter spell” to the former’s alleged magic and shamanistic practices. 

“@AlexPereiraUFC a great KO victory, but I have a counter spell for your magic…” Jan Blachowicz posted.

Do you want to see Alex Pereira take on Jan Blachowicz again?

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch fight with Alex Pereira after UFC 303: ‘I have the counter spell for your magic’

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with Alex Pereira after UFC 303 I have a counter spell for your magicFormer undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has once more challenged the current division gold holder, Alex Pereira to…

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with Alex Pereira after UFC 303 I have a counter spell for your magic

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has once more challenged the current division gold holder, Alex Pereira to a rematch fight – this time for the crown, claiming he possesses the “counter spell” to the Brazilian’s apparent magic and shamanic forces.

Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion and a former undisputed middleweight gold holder, headlined UFC 303 over the course of last weekend during International Fight Week, taking on former champion, Jiri Prochazka in a title fight rematch.

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And stopping the Czech Republic native in the second round, Sao Paulo knockout artist, Pereira launched a stunning high-kick, felling the ex-champion with a massive shot, to retain his crown for the second time this year already.

Making his 205lbs debut against the above-mentioned, Blachowicz back in July of last year following the end of his middleweight title reign, Pereira would land a close, debated split decision win over the Polish veteran, before going on to land the vacant title.

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Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with Alex Pereira next

Sidelined through a shoulder injury which ruled him from a UFC 297 rematch with Aleksandar Rakic, former KSW champion, Blachowicz claimed to have the key to beat the current champion after UFC 303.

pereira ufc 303

“@AlexPereiraUFC a great KO victory, but I have a counter spell for your magic…” Jan Blachowicz posted on his official X account.

And welcoming the chance to take on all comers after his win over Prochakza – after receiving a distinct call out from the surging, Magomed Ankalaev, two-weight champion, Pereira also echoed his desire to compete for a historic third championship in a move to the heavyweight limit.

“I think that’s in my future,” Alex Pereira said of a heavyweight move following his devastating win at UFC 303. “You know, I said that the last time I was here [inside the Octagon]. There didn’t seem to be a lot of interest in the organization, but I’m here, and I’m available and I do think that’s in my future.”

Would you like to see Jan Blachowicz take on Alex Pereira in a rematch?