Jan Blachowicz: ‘I Won Against Alex Pereira…I Deserve This Rematch’

Jan Blachowicz is eager to return to the title picture and reclaim his status as a UFC champion.

The former UFC light heavyweight titleholder has faced some of the division’s toughest opponents and now aims to remind fans of his legacy.

Błachowicz captured the vacant title at UFC 253 with a dominant TKO win over Dominick Reyes, a display that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. He successfully defended his belt against then-middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 259 before losing the title to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267.

Later, at UFC 282, he fought Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant title, ending in a draw. And he most recently came up short against current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira before “Poatan” became the champion at UFC 291. The contest ended in a narrow split decision loss for the Polish veteran.

On March 22 this year, Blachowicz will face Carlos Ulberg at UFC London, determined to reassert himself in the division. Speaking with MMA Fighting, the former champ expressed his desire to make a statement.

“I want to remind people how tough I am,” Blachowicz said. “Because I think people forget that I won against Alex Pereira. He just won because the referee helped him, in my opinion. I have a draw with (Magomed) Ankalaev — those are the most dangerous fighters in our division right now. I think people just forgot about me.”

Blachowicz attributed some of the lack of recognition to his inactivity.

“I’m not surprised because I stopped. One and a half years, I’m not fighting so this is where I will remind them about the legendary Polish power to the people in the whole world.”

Despite his respect for Ulberg, Blachowicz is already setting his sights on a rematch with Pereira.

“Of course, I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done but this doesn’t change anything,” Błachowicz explained. “I want a rematch against him and after this fight — I’m focused on this fight right now — but if I win and I believe I’m going to win the fight, the next one will be against him. I deserve this rematch, like nobody else in this division.”

Related News

Top Stories

UFC Store

UFC’s Bryce Mitchell Releases Statement Addressing Backlash To Hitler Comments: ‘I’m Definitely Not A Nazi’

Bryce Mitchell has released a statement in response to the massive backlash he has...

Khabib, Makhachev, & Other Fighters React As Nassourdine Imavov Knocks Out Israel Adesanya At UFC Saudi Arabia

In the biggest fight of his life, Nassourdine Imavov has come through -- and...

UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Nassourdine Imavov TKOs Israel Adesanya

The latest UFC Fight Night took place Saturday in Saudi Arabia, and MMA News...

‘Fraud Checked’ – Fans React As Michael ‘Venom’ Page Takes Shara Magomedov’s 0 At UFC Saudi Arabia

The undefeated streak of Shara "Bullet" Magomedov is no more. Michael "Venom" Page came in...

VIDEO: Shamil Gaziev Lands Devastating Walk-Off Knockout During UFC Saudi Arabia Prelims

Heavyweight knockouts are a delight to MMA fans, and Shamil Gaziev pulled off such...

VIDEO: Terrance McKinney Records 15th First-Round Finish Of His Career At UFC Saudi Arabia

It was another first-round highlight from Terrance McKinney, as he got the job done...

‘Dark Horse In The Division’ – Fans React As Jasmine Jasudavicius Wins First UFC Women’s Fight In Saudi Arabia

Jasmine Jasudavicius continues to come into her own, coming out on top in a...

Ex-Fighter Says Israel Adesanya Has ‘Something To Prove’ At UFC Saudi Arabia After 2 Straight Losses

Israel Adesanya’s UFC journey has been filled with highs and lows, but his career...