FightPost MMA Fighter of the Week: Jan Blachowicz

FightPost MMA Fighter of the Week: Jan Blachowicz

By Dan McConnell

With action across the MMA world this weekend from Bellator and the UFC, competition was stiff for this week’s FightPost MMA Fighter of the Week award.

The UFC returned to Brazil this past weekend with UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo, which would be headlined by a light-heavyweight showdown between division new-comer and hometown-hero, Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza and Polish-powerhouse Jan Blachowicz.

A main event featuring a former KSW light-heavyweight champion and a former Strikeforce middleweight champion was certainly one not to be missed!

The Polish fighter Blachowicz certainly made a good impression on me this past Saturday night, not only did he defeat one of the scariest black-belts in the game. He also completed the mission in enemy territory.

When Blachowicz made the jump to the UFC in 2014, a lot was expected of the former KSW champion and the question was how much of an impact he could have on the UFC’s 205-pound division.

Going 2-4 in his first six bouts wasn’t the start that the Polish fighter wanted in his new organisation. Defeats to Alexander Gustafsson, Jimi Manuwa and Corey Anderson would set up a tough first three years with the UFC.

However, a fighter with grit and determination would not be stopped from putting his name in the conversation for a possible light-heavyweight title shot, eventually.

At UFC Gdansk in October 2017, everything would change. Four victories on the bounce over Devin Clark, Jared Cannonier, a rematch victory over Jimi Manuwa and then Nikita Krylov gave Blachowicz some much needed momentum.

A main-event clash against Thiago Santos in February of this year would be the reward and title opportunity at stake.

Unfortunately, the 205-pound would suffer another huge blow with a knockout loss.

However, a performance of the night victory over former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in July, and now a huge victory over Jacre Souza has put Blachowicz back in the discussion of top contenders in the division.

Another impressive victory on his resume and another big name taken apart. Blachowicz is certainly no gatekeeper for the division!

At 36 and with a record of 25-8, a light-heavyweight showdown with champion Jon Jones surely isn’t too far away now. Another victory would certainly be enough to have his title wish granted.