At UFC 239, Jan Blachowicz, representing ‘Polish Power’, made a strong statement in the light heavyweight division.
After a close fight with Alex Pereira at UFC 291, Blachowicz was aiming to get back into title contention. He is scheduled to fight on March 22 and intends to disrupt any immediate rematch plans between Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev after UFC 313.
Blachowicz has a history of delivering statement performances. In 2019, he began a four-fight win streak that culminated in him winning the light heavyweight championship.
Luke Rockhold, a former middleweight champion, wasn’t in top form, having lost his title to Michael Bisping. However, many believed he still had potential.
Blachowicz’s ‘Polish Power’ Decimates Luke Rockhold
Rockhold moved to light heavyweight after suffering knockout losses to Bisping and Yoel Romero.
In his debut at 205 pounds, Rockhold faced Jan Blachowicz, then ranked #6, who was looking to rebound from a loss to Thiago Santos earlier in 2019.
The fight was set on the same night Jon Jones defended his light heavyweight title against Santos at UFC 239 in Las Vegas, providing Blachowicz an opportunity for a significant career victory.
Rockhold was initially favored, but struggled in the first round, mainly using kicks and ineffective clinch work. He appeared unsteady at the end of the round after a kick from Blachowicz as the bell rang.
Blachowicz, known for his striking in close quarters, capitalized at 1:39 of the second round.
Rockhold’s tendency to keep his chin exposed, particularly evident in his loss to Bisping at UFC 299, made him vulnerable to Blachowicz’s powerful left hook.
Blachowicz landed several follow-up strikes, ending the fight decisively. Rockhold seemed disoriented when referee Herb Dean stopped the fight.
Rockhold later returned to middleweight to fight Paulo Costa in 2022 before joining the GFL earlier this year.
Blachowicz went on to secure two more wins before defeating Dominick Reyes for the vacant title at UFC 253. He successfully defended the title against Israel Adesanya before losing it to Glover Teixeira in 2021.
Jan Blachowicz Eyes Title Contention at UFC London
While Blachowicz previously sought a rematch with Alex Pereira, he also has unfinished business with current champion Magomed Ankalaev.
Their UFC 282 fight ended in a draw. Although a rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira seems likely, Blachowicz remains a key player in the division.
His upcoming fight against Carlos Ulberg at the O2 Arena in London on March 22 is his first since losing to Pereira at UFC 291. A win against Ulberg would re-establish him as a top contender.
If Blachowicz’s ‘Polish Power’ is on display on March 22, the light heavyweight title scene could become very dynamic.
