Jan Blachowicz thrilled with UFC 282 vacant title shot, calls it an “early Christmas gift”
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz says he is thrilled with his UFC 282 vacant title shot, calling it an “early Christmas gift.”
Blachowicz takes on Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 282 this weekend for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. The only reason these two are fighting for the belt is that former champion Jiri Prochazka was severely injured in training and forced to vacate his belt. At the same time, top contender Glover Teixeira was not interested in fighting Ankalaev on short notice for this specific date. When all the stars aligned, it ended up with Blachowicz getting bumped into this main event slot against Ankalaev and getting a chance to win back the light heavyweight belt he once held.
For Blachowicz, the news was surprising but also good news, obviously. Speaking to the media ahead of UFC 282, Blachowicz called it an “early Christmas gift.”
“Early Christmas gift – I enjoy it – It is what it is. I was last to know. I was in the plane when everything happened. I cannot believe at first. I think I deserve this fight after (Aleksandar) Rakic, but Jiri wants to take a rematch with Glover (Teixeira) so I have to wait, do one more fight. But the universe work with me very well. I with Jiri the best recovery, but I will take my chance and be the champion again,” Blachowicz said (via MMAjunkie.com).
Blachowicz defeated Dominick Reyes two years ago to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion after former champ Jon Jones vacated his belt. He successfully defended his title one time against Israel Adesanya, before losing it to Teixeira in his second title defense. The Pole will now look to get the upset win over Ankalaev and regain his title this weekend when he fights the Russian in the UFC 282 main event.
Do you think Jan Blachowicz will upset Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282 and become the new UFC light heavyweight champion?
