It’s the clash of former champions. One-time UFC light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz wants to run at the 205-pound strap once more, and believes a win over former middleweight champ Alex Pereira is the quickest path to the title. Blachowicz revealed that he specifically asked for Pereira at UFC 291, and why, on a recent episode of The MMA Hour.
“When I heard that he would come to our division, I just want to fight against him. I talked with my manager and they did this fight, it was easy. Yeah, I said, ‘OK, give it to me.’ Why not?”
Why UFC Light Heavyweight Jan Blachowicz Demanded Alex Pereira Fight
Maybe [the UFC would have made this fight anyway]. Maybe also there was an idea for them. But I’m happy I got what I wanted.”
Blachowicz also acknowledged that Pereira, who reportedly cut up to 20 pounds to make the 185-pound middleweight limit, probably should always have fought at light heavyweight in the first place.
“He’s a very big guy. I think it was a natural way for him to go up, but maybe in the future, he comes back to do one more fight with Adesanya. We will see. I’m just happy that I can fight against him in my division, so he has to be ready for the legendary Polish power.”
Pereira, of course, claimed the middleweight title when he knocked out Israel Adesanya, only to lose it to the same man in his first defense. Adesanya, too, attempted to move up to the 205-pound division, only to find himself on the receiving end of Polish Power courtesy of Jan Blachowicz.
“I think this is my job in the UFC sometimes. I need to do it in the best way, to send him back to the lower category. For sure, he’s going to have power, but I always say if you change weight category you can spar in your gym with the bigger guys but when you fight, it’s completely different.
Timing, speed, everything is different. Three times I fight before with guys from the lower division and I won everything. This time will be the same.”
Blachowicz also expects to compete for the light heavyweight title if he takes the W against Pereira. “If I win the fight, my next fight will be for the title. It’s bigger motivation for me, and thanks to Alex that he moved to our category. New blood.
“I’d like to know what place I am right now. It’s very good for me that after this fight, my next fight will be for the title. I’m just happy to take the belt again to Poland.”
