Tag: UFC 275

Jan Blachowicz to Have Eye Surgery Following Victory Over Rakic at UFC Vegas 54

Jan BlachowiczJan Blachowicz was successful in his UFC return on Saturday, but confirmed that he will undergo eye surgery on Monday following his victory over Aleksandar Rakic. With a third round TKO win over the Austrian, Blachowicz (29-9-0) likely solidified his position as the next in line for a title opportunity following next month’s UFC 275 […]

Jan Blachowicz

Jan Blachowicz was successful in his UFC return on Saturday, but confirmed that he will undergo eye surgery on Monday following his victory over Aleksandar Rakic.

With a third round TKO win over the Austrian, Blachowicz (29-9-0) likely solidified his position as the next in line for a title opportunity following next month’s UFC 275 bout between reigning champion Glover Teixeira and challenger Jiri Prochazka in Singapore; a fight Blachowicz has every intention to attend, but not before undergoing eye surgery this week.

“It’s OK, but I’m going to have some small surgery on Monday on this eye,” Blachowicz said during the post-fight press conference. “Doctor says maybe it’s going to be small, maybe going to be bigger. He don’t know yet. He need to check in the hospital.”

The injury occurred early in the first round of the main event and was clearly causing trouble for the Polish superstar. Blachowicz recalls the injury happening early in the bout, but was uncertain if it was the result of a punch or an unintentional eye poke.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I feel it when it happened. It was in the beginning of the first round, one of the first punches. I don’t see anything in the first round with this eye. [Commentator Michael Bisping] said it was a finger, Aleksandar said it was a punch.”

Jan Blachowicz Hopes His Win on Saturday Will Secure An Opportunity to Regain the Light Heavyweight Championship

With his victory over the No.3 ranked contender, Blachowicz will now turn his attention to regaining the light heavyweight championship he lost to Glover Texeira at UFC 267 in October.

“I hope so, that the UFC gives me another title shot, that I’m going to be next one,” Blachowicz said. “I was No 1, Rakic was No 3. For me it’s obvious that I’m the No 1 contender now for the title shot. I’ve never been in Singapore, so why not? I like traveling. I like being in new places. So if they want me I will go there. But first of all I need to fix the eye. I don’t know what they’re going to do.”

Prior to suffering a second round submission loss to Texeira, Blachowicz was riding a five fight win streak with victories over Luke Rockhold, Ronaldo Souza, Corey Anderson, Dominick Reyes and the UFC’s current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. 

Do you think Jan Blachowicz earned an opportunity to reclaim UFC gold with his victory over Aleksandar Rakic?

Glover Teixeira Offers Jan Blachowicz Title Shot After UFC 275

UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira has offered Jan Blachowicz a chance at the belt after Teixeira’s scheduled title defense at UFC 275. The Brazilian champion posted the offer on Twitter during the fight card for UFC Vegas 54, which was headlined by Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Raki?. “Let’s go @JanBlachowicz Win tonight…and I’ll win…

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UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira has offered Jan Blachowicz a chance at the belt after Teixeira’s scheduled title defense at UFC 275.

The Brazilian champion posted the offer on Twitter during the fight card for UFC Vegas 54, which was headlined by Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Raki?.

“Let’s go @JanBlachowicz Win tonight…and I’ll win Jun 11…then we run it back”

Teixeira challenged Blachowicz for the latter’s light heavyweight title at UFC 267, winning the fight by rear-naked choke in the second round. That matchup was Teixeira’s second shot at UFC gold after the Brazilian lost a unanimous decision to longtime light heavyweight king Jon Jones in 2014.

Blachowicz has already done his part to make the rematch a possibility. The Polish fighter emerged from his main event fight against Raki? with a third-round TKO victory, albeit probably not in the way he expected. After the light heavyweights split the first two rounds, Raki?’s knee suddenly gave out just over a minute into the third. The fight was quickly called off, and Blachowicz was awarded the TKO win.

The victory against Raki? was Blachowicz’s first fight since losing the title to Teixeira at UFC 267. Although the result might carry an asterisk for some people, Blachowicz had been fighting well up to the point of Raki?’s injury. The 39-year old former champion entered the fight as the underdog but won the first round before being out grappled by Raki? in the second.

It’s now up to Glover Teixeira to hold up his end of the bargain and successfully defend the light heavyweight belt on June 11 at UFC 275. Currently lined as the underdog, the 42-year old Teixeira will defend his title against Czech finisher Ji?í Procházka. Procházka has only fought twice in the UFC but won both fights by second-round knockout, and he’s currently on a 12-fight win streak dating back to 2015.

What do you think about Teixeira’s offer? Is a rematch between him and Blachowicz the fight to make if Teixeira successfully defends his title at UFC 275?

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Rose Namajunas Offers To Help Prep Joanna J?drzejczyk For Zhang Weili

Former rivals Rose Namajunas and Joanna J?drzejczyk may be spending a lot of time together ahead of J?drzejczyk’s rematch with Zhang Weili. J?drzejczyk is set to make her return to the Octagon next month at UFC 275 against Weili. It is her first fight in the UFC since their first matchup at UFC 248. J?drzejczyk…

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Former rivals Rose Namajunas and Joanna J?drzejczyk may be spending a lot of time together ahead of J?drzejczyk’s rematch with Zhang Weili.

J?drzejczyk is set to make her return to the Octagon next month at UFC 275 against Weili. It is her first fight in the UFC since their first matchup at UFC 248.

J?drzejczyk lost her title to Namajunas at UFC 217 in her first professional loss via first-round knockout. She would go on to lose in their rematch at UFC 223 via a unanimous decision.

While the two sides had a bit of heated buildup to their first fight, it appears that Namajunas and J?drzejczyk have put any beef behind them.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Namajunas shared that she’s considering helping J?drzejczyk for her UFC return.

“I didn’t totally make that decision in my mind yet but I was just thinking about it,” Namajunas revealed. “Nothing personal against Weili or anything but you know Henry Cejudo was kind of talking some crap before our rematch. I’m just kidding.”

J?drzejczyk and Weili competed in arguably the greatest women’s MMA fight of all time, with Weili earning a split decision victory. Both former champions are looking to get back to the title shot to challenge Carla Esparza.

J?drzejczyk isn’t going away anytime soon after signing a new multi-fight deal with the UFC.

Namajunas earned a head kick knockout over Weili at UFC 261 before defeating her in an immediate rematch at UFC 268 via split decision. She is also looking to get back in the title hunt after falling to Esparza at UFC 274 last weekend.

It’s uncertain if Namajunas will follow through and help J?drzejczyk get ready for Weili, but it’s clear that an offer is under consideration.

What do you make of Rose Namajunas and Joanna J?drzejczyk potentially training together?

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Joanna J?drzejczyk Busts Myth About Outside-Octagon Ventures

Former UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna J?drzejczyk has rejected the narrative that her business ventures and period away from the cage have affected her motivation to fight. Over two years on from her memorable Fight of the Year war with Zhang Weili, one of the greatest female fighters in UFC history is set to grace…

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Former UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna J?drzejczyk has rejected the narrative that her business ventures and period away from the cage have affected her motivation to fight.

Over two years on from her memorable Fight of the Year war with Zhang Weili, one of the greatest female fighters in UFC history is set to grace the Octagon with her presence once again.

At UFC 275, set for Singapore on June 11, J?drzejczyk will return to action with gold and revenge on her mind. Having narrowly fallen on the wrong side of a split decision against Zhang at UFC 248, the Polish star will look to get that one back when she shares the cage with “Magnum” again next month.

During her lengthy period away from MMA, J?drzejczyk has indulged in a number of business exploits and hobbies. That’s included the development of a supplement brand, a newfound passion for tennis, and even making her off-road rally-racing debut.

With that in mind, and similar to the attitude many have had for Conor McGregor’s frequent returns to the sport, some have questioned whether Joanna J?drzejczyk still boasts the level of motivation needed to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.

J?drzejczyk: “I’m So Hungry To Fight”

During an interview with Combat Sports on Fanatics View, J?drzejczyk insisted that despite her various interests and wide-ranging business involvements, she’s still spent the past two years honing her game and enhancing her fighting skillset inside the gym.

“I’ve never felt so good. It’s great to be back… In October, I made the decision to come back. The last two years have passed so fast,” said J?drzejczyk. “It feels like it was maybe six, eight months… The last few years I’ve been training really, really hard every single day, twice a day; changing my game, learning new things, bringing my tools.”

With that in mind, the 34-year-old is paying no attention to those who doubt her ability to fight the best based on her social media presence and outside-Octagon ventures.

Citing the fact that she worked in her parents’ shop at the same time as she was securing the UFC’s strawweight throne, J?drzejczyk dismissed any and all claims that she’s lost focus, motivation, or hunger in recent years.

“I was always a hard worker. So many people, they make an opinion on me (based) on Instagram, you know? But training is always my first priority, and my business partners, they know that,” said J?drzejczyk. “This is what made me, this is who I am. First of all, I am one of the greatest athletes. My legacy is so big. But, of course, I am enjoying my life outside the Octagon, with media, with my sponsors, and with my business.

“When I was becoming the UFC world champion in 2015, I was working at a grocery store of my parents and I was making $50 a week. People don’t know—so many people don’t know this,” noted J?drzejczyk. “They somehow judge me, that I’m losing my fight because I don’t keep my focus. That’s not true because my life is outside Instagram and Facebook… I need this extra motivation, but it’s all about the love for this sport I have. I’m so hungry to fight.”

J?drzejczyk will look to prove her doubters wrong come June 11 by avenging her 2020 loss to Zhang. If she does so, another championship challenge could be on the cards, especially after Carla Esparza, whom the Pole dethroned in 2015, won the belt from Rose Namajunas at UFC 274.

Do you believe Joanna J?drzejczyk has lost any of her hunger to compete?

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J?drzejczyk: Zhang Initially Turned Down UFC 275 Rematch

Former UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna J?drzejczyk has claimed that upcoming opponent Zhang Weili turned down their rematch just one month ago. At UFC 275, set for Singapore on June 11, J?drzejczyk will return to action for the first time since March 2020. Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc across the globe. But…

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Former UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna J?drzejczyk has claimed that upcoming opponent Zhang Weili turned down their rematch just one month ago.

At UFC 275, set for Singapore on June 11, J?drzejczyk will return to action for the first time since March 2020. Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc across the globe. But despite all the changes and variables across the past two years, the Polish great has returned to camp with the same woman in mind: Zhang.

After their five-round war at UFC 248, which saw both women throw down to put on one of the greatest fights of all time, fans were left wanting more. Now, with “Magnum” walking around lighter in the absence of the 115-pound gold, the promotion has decided that it’s time to run it back.

But as it turns out, this rematch very nearly didn’t come together due to some hesitancy on one side…

J?drzejczyk Ponders If Zhang Is Preventing 5-Round Fight After Initial Rejection

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, J?drzejczyk discussed her upcoming return, which, to the surprise of many, is set for three rounds rather than five.

As well as many fans and pundits voicing their displeasure at being denied an extra 10 minutes, the 34-year-old also revealed her desire to prepare for a 25-minute contest.

With her willingness, as well as some positive updates from the UFC and Dana White, J?drzejczyk suggested that the hold-up might be down to reluctance on the side of Zhang.

That seemingly wouldn’t be a big surprise for J?drzejczyk, who claimed that “Magnum” actually turned down the rematch a month ago.

“It might be (that Zhang doesn’t want five rounds). I don’t know, it might be… I can fight, I want to fight five rounds. Let’s see,” said J?drzejczyk. “Let’s check the UFC’s position and Weili Zhang’s. Because, a month ago, she turned it down, the fight. She didn’t want to fight, and now she’s fighting. So, let’s see. I don’t know if she wants to go five rounds with me.”

With a month to go until fight night in Singapore, it seems there’s still a chance for a five-round bout to come together. However, should J?drzejczyk’s comments be accurate, it would appear Zhang already had to be convinced to accept the fight in the first place.

Either way, three rounds or five, fans will be hoping that the fight lives up to expectations, which will certainly be high given the pair’s 2020 barnburner.

Who do you think will have their hand raised in this rematch, Joanna J?drzejczyk or Zhang Weili?

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Joanna Jedrzejczyk Expects Back-And-Forth War With Zhang Weili Ahead Of UFC 275 Rematch

Joanna JedrzejczykFormer UFC strawweight champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk is set to snap a two-year hiatus from the Octagon in June as she featured in a high-profile UFC 275 main card rematch with fellow former champion, Zhang Weili – and fully expects another instant classic against the Hebei striker. Out of action since March of 2020, Jedrzejczyk, the […]

Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Former UFC strawweight champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk is set to snap a two-year hiatus from the Octagon in June as she featured in a high-profile UFC 275 main card rematch with fellow former champion, Zhang Weili – and fully expects another instant classic against the Hebei striker.

Out of action since March of 2020, Jedrzejczyk, the second strawweight champion in the history of the UFC, co-headlined UFC 248 against then-champion, Weili – suffering a close, split decision loss in the consensus 2020 Fight of the Year – and to many, the greatest strawweight fight in the history of the division. 

Joanna Jedrzejczyk clinched the strawweight throne with a March 2015 win over Carla Esparza

Dropping to 16-4 as a professional, Jedrzejczyk, who recently penned a new, multi-fight deal with the organization, was also removed from the official strawweight rankings due to inactivity, however, attempts to earn another title challenge in a potential title-eliminator against Weili in a high-stakes Singapore re-run.

Returning to home base, American Top Team at the turn of this year, Jedrzejczyk explained how she expects Weili to show up in “strong” form and fettle on June 11.

“I know Zhang Weili is working on so many different things, and she’s going to show up very strong in our fight,” Joanna Jedrzejczyk told Fanatics View reporter, James Lynch, during a recent interview ahead of UFC 275. 

Taking the longest extended break of his decorated professional career, Muay Thai ace, Jedrzejczyk explained how she benefited to no end with her lengthy hiatus.

“My wrestling, my defense is so good because I used to face grapplers and I’m a striker,” Joanna Jedrzejczyk explained. “So my takedown defense and defensive wrestling was always good, but I was focused more on offensive wrestling. My ground game got better and of course, I’m back to the roots: kicking more, feinting, using my striking more. Somehow I stopped kicking because of the grapplers I was facing, it’s easy to catch the leg and go down.”

“I’m back,” Joanna Jedrzejczyk said. “I just can’t wait. I needed this break, for my body.” (Transcribed by South China Morning Post)

In her most recent victory, Jedrzejczyk managed to land a vintage unanimous decision victory against former Invicta FC atomweight best, Michelle Waterson in the main event of UFC Fight Night Tampa in October 2019 in a strawweight division return.