Tag: Jan Blachowicz

Jan B?achowicz Explains Jon Jones’ Callout Of Alex Pereira: ‘He’s A Little Bit Afraid’ Of Aspinall

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz believes an element of fear is playing into heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones’ apparent preference for his next fight. Considerable uncertainty surrounds Jones entering 2025, with the next step in his career yet to be decided following his controversial decision to face Stipe Miocic last November instead of the […]

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz believes an element of fear is playing into heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones’ apparent preference for his next fight.

Considerable uncertainty surrounds Jones entering 2025, with the next step in his career yet to be decided following his controversial decision to face Stipe Miocic last November instead of the division’s interim titleholder, Tom Aspinall.

And despite the belts still not being unified, “Bones” has frequently pointed to a showdown with light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira as his desired next outing instead.

While some have put that down to a marketing tactic that doesn’t truly reflect how Jones feels about facing Aspinall, one man who had his own pursuit of the Rochester native fail a number of years ago sees things differently.

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, B?achowicz addressed the current state of the heavyweight title picture, outlining his belief that Jones is “afraid” of sharing the cage with Aspinall.

“I think (Jones) does this because Alex Pereira is now a big star in the UFC,” B?achowicz said. “Everybody knows him. He knows what he’s doing. But I believe he should fight against Aspinall, but I think he’s a little bit afraid of him.

“Because Aspinall is someone who can really stop him and beat him. I think he believes if he can fight against Pereira, he can take him down, control him, maybe something like this,” B?achowicz continued. “With Aspinall, it will be not so easy.”

B?achowicz looked to be next in line for Jones before he made the decision to vacate the light heavyweight crown in 2020 ahead of a move to heavyweight. The Polish powerhouse later captured the vacant throne at the expense of Dominick Reyes.

The veteran is now chasing a second reign, a goal that was most recently stalled by Pereira. B?achowicz welcomed the ex-middleweight champ to 205 pounds in 2023, losing a close and debated decision to “Poatan.”

The 41-year-old is now set to end his lengthy injury layoff by doing battle with the charging Carlos Ulberg at the UFC Fight Night in London this March.

Jan B?achowicz: Magomed Ankalaev Must ‘Change’ To Have A Chance Of Beating Alex Pereira

Following his win over Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308 in October, it looks like the next time that we see Magomed Ankalaev, he will finally get his long awaited title shot against Alex Pereira. Many expected that this would be the next test for “Poatan” following his wins over Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka earlier […]

Following his win over Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308 in October, it looks like the next time that we see Magomed Ankalaev, he will finally get his long awaited title shot against Alex Pereira. Many expected that this would be the next test for “Poatan” following his wins over Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka earlier this year but instead, he defended the title at UFC 307 by finishing Khalil Rountree Jr.

In Abu Dhabi, Ankalaev got his hand raised once again after sticking to his word and beating Raki? over three rounds by only striking with him. The Russian has continued to push the idea that when he eventually faced Pereira, he will do the same and will knockout the kickboxing specialist to win the 205-pound gold.

One fellow top contender who doesn’t think this that applying the same approach is the best idea is the former champion, Jan B?achowicz. In his last outing at UFC 291, “Polish Power” became the closest of anyone to beating Pereira at light heavyweight when he welcomed the former middleweight champion to his new weight class.

B?achowicz came out on the wrong side of a split decision and though he wasn’t able to land a lot of offense, he did have some success with his grappling and once he became tired, he was able to avoid eating anything too damaging from the Brazilian. B?achowicz gave his thoughts on that potential title fight in a recent interview with James Lynch for Home of Fight.

He believes that in order for Ankalaev to leave with the title, he needs to take more risks to really put a stamp on the fight instead of simply trying to win each round without taking damage.

“If Ankalaev will fight like last fight with [Aleksandar] Rakic, he’s going to lose the fight. He needs to do something more. He needs to be like, I don’t know, but – he is good fighter, but it’s not enough for Pereira in this kind of style. He needs to change.

“He needs to be more – he has to believe in that which he’s doing. I think he doesn’t believe. He just wants to win the fight, but don’t take too much punches. He is very careful in this what he’s doing and I think this kind of way, fighting with Pereira, will not work.”

Jan B?achowicz Set To Return After 20-Month Layoff At UFC London In 2025

The first fights are in for next March’s UFC Fight Night in London, and one includes the return of former light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz. After staging its United Kingdom event in Manchester this past July, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will head back to England’s capital in the first quarter of 2025, with London’s […]

The first fights are in for next March’s UFC Fight Night in London, and one includes the return of former light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz.

After staging its United Kingdom event in Manchester this past July, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will head back to England’s capital in the first quarter of 2025, with London’s O2 arena once again playing host to Octagon action.

A main event is yet to be announced, and a number of home favorites are expected to make the walk in front of their compatriots. The first major announcement, however, will pit a Polish ex-titleholder against a charging New Zealander.

The UFC announced this week that B?achowicz’s (29-10-1) lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury will come to a close 20 months on from his most recent appearance — a narrow decision loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 291.

On March 22, the #4-ranked contender will attempt to defend his position in the top five opposite the surging Carlos Ulberg (11-1). That fight was announced alongside another, with English heavyweight Mick Parkin set for a big opportunity against a veteran of the top 10 in Marcin Tybura on home soil.

Prior to his tight loss to then-future and now-reigning light heavyweight champion Pereira, B?achowicz failed to regain the 205-pound gold against Magomed Ankalaev, whom he fought to a draw against in the main event of UFC 282.

Ulberg, meanwhile, hasn’t tasted defeat since a UFC debut defeat to Kennedy Nzechukwu in 2021. Since then, “Black Jag” has won six fights consecutively, most recently outpointing former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Macau late last month.

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.