Jan Blachowicz is open to many big challenges in his first appearance since a title bout late last year. Among them is a bout against light heavyweight’s newest contender: Alex Pereira.
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Jan Blachowicz open to Pereira fight: ‘Why not?’
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jan Blachowicz was asked if he would be open to meeting the former titleholder at light heavyweight. This interview came out just hours before Pereira made it official that he was, in fact, planning to become a light heavyweight.
While Blachowicz admitted he wasn’t entirely focused on a Pereira fight, it is an option that he would be open to.
“I don’t think about him right now, but yeah, why not? I like big challenges, this fight would also be very big, very great. So why not?”
Blachowicz last fought at UFC 282 last year in a title bout against Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant light heavyweight title.
After their bout ended in a draw after five rounds, the UFC kept the division moving without them. Another match for the vacant belt was booked this time between Jamahal Hill and Glover Teixeira.
Hill prevailed in that five-round decision outcome early this year, crowning him the new champion of the division.
Jan Blachowicz discusses his priority for future matchups
Because of his current position, Jan Blachowicz has a hierarchy of sorts set up for his current matchup goals. Above anything, his sights are set on getting an opportunity at the 205-pound belt. But after that, a fight against UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya or light heavyweight newcomer Pereira would be preferred.
“If they give me Adesanya, Pereira, or Jamahal Hill, for sure I will choose Jamahal. If not Jamahal, I would choose Adesanya because this is a title shot again. But if they Pereira, why not?”
But wait a second, a middleweight fight against Adesanya? That’s right.
Many will remember in 2021, Blachowicz overcame Adesanya in a fight at light heavyweight. Blachowicz says that he hopes to do a rematch between them for the middleweight belt.
Middleweight?
Dropping down to middleweight would be a first for Jan Blachowicz as a pro. However, he is open to the idea if the opportunity could be given to him.
“He needs a new challenge. So, here I am. We met in his category, let’s meet in his category.”
Blachowicz stated that he would “find a way” to make the 185-pound limit, but that he would likely need a few months to prepare for that matchup.
“People need to believe a little bit more in me. If UFC would like to make this fight, I will do it. No problem. I know how to do it. It would be great motivation for me.”
No matter what’s next for Blachowicz, it would be a safe bet to assume he’s getting something big. He’s a former champ in the division and is coming off a title fight appearance, putting him quite high up in the light heavyweight division. But who exactly he will get next is not known for now.
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