Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz plans to alter the expected direction of his division's title picture — and the expected future of Alex Pereira.
The 205-pound weight class received a shake-up this past weekend when Magomed Ankalaev ended the reign of Pereira, which had successfully moved through three challenges before running into the Dagestani at UFC 313.
Following his lackluster performance en route to a unanimous decision defeat, "Poatan" has echoed the sentiments of Dana White in suggesting that an immediate rematch is likely for later this year.
But a former opponent of Pereira's plans to scupper such plans.
During an appearance on Wednesday's episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Błachowicz outlined his goal of securing a rematch with Ankalaev for the gold by making a statement in his return against Carlos Ulberg next weekend in London.
I beat (Ulberg), then I take a title shot against (Ankalaev)," Błachowicz said. "I beat Ankalaev and then rematch against (Pereira). I defend the belt against Pereira. This is the perfect scenario for me. Then I can go to the mountains again.
Following a draw in his battle with Ankalaev for the then-vacant title in late 2022, Jan Błachowicz welcomed Alex Pereira to the light heavyweight division in mid-2023.
The Polish veteran fell on the wrong side of a split decision after an incredibly close three-round clash. He's since been looking toward a chance for redemption against Pereira, and he intends to reach that as a two-time champion at 205 pounds.