As the UK-based website #WHOATV reports under reference of a source close to the situation, British powerhouse Jimi Manuwa is set to face former KSW champion Jan Blachowicz.
Blachowicz is a huge star in his home country, so this could be a potential main card fight for a long rumored event in Poland – if not the main event. UFC brass has stated multiple times that a show in Poland could be due this year, as part of their further expansion into Europe. The country has a huge MMA market, mostly controlled by local promoter KSW.
Blachowicz debuted in the UFC last October in Sweden, where he stopped Ilir Latifi with a kick to the midsection and follow-up punches in the first round. For years, Blachowicz has been KSW’s light-heavyweight champion and one of their biggest draws. He has beaten former UFC fighters such as Goran Reljic, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Houston Alexander.
Manuwa was one of the hottest prospects in the UFC, coming in unbeaten in 11 fights – all-out finishes. After three more wins, he eventually got stopped by Alexander Gustafsson in March last year. The well-rounded Blachowicz would be a tough comeback opponent for the “Poster Boy”, regardless of whether the fight takes place in Poland or not.