Joanna Jędrzejczyk was the UFC strawweight champion for over two years, and now Błachowicz has been given a chance. In the opinion of experts and bookmakers, however, the favorite is Reyes, a recent contender for this title. It is emphasized that he wins a lot with knockouts in a stand-up, but Błachowicz is also able to make strong and accurate hits. Besides, the Pole should have an advantage on the ground floor.
The “Cieszyn Prince”, as the 37-year-old Błachowicz is called, has been in the UFC since 2014. He initially lost more than won but has only suffered one defeat in the last three years and his current MMA record is 26-8 (7 KOs, 9 SUBs).
Six years younger Reyes (12-1, 7 KOs, 2 SUBs) lost only once, at the beginning of the year over 25 minutes (5 rounds) to compatriot and light heavyweight champion 33-year-old Jon Jones (26-1), who then packed belt and moved to the heavy category, with a limit of 120 kg. Soon after this duel, Błachowicz defeated another fighter from the USA, Corey Anderson.
– I have always believed in myself and in my abilities. I just had to find out what was wrong (at one point he had a 2-4 balance in UFC – PAP), found a way and improved it, and now I have the opportunity to become a champion. One more step remains. I have worked out a championship fight with skills, wins and a sports way – said in interviews Błachowicz, whose coaches in Warsaw are Robert Jocz and Robert Złotkowski.
The Polish player made his debut in professional MMA in 2007, and shortly after he joined the strongest federation KSW (Confrontation of Martial Arts). In 2011-2014 he was the international light heavyweight champion.
Previously, he trained, among others grappling and thai boxing.
There will be several championship fights at UFC 253, including in the average between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa. Broadcast on TV on the Polsat Sport channel and online on the Internet and on the Ipla.tv mobile application.
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