Michael Bisping explains how Jan Blachowicz can beat Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282
UFC analyst Michael Bisping explained how Jan Blachowicz can beat Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282 to capture the light vacant heavyweight championship.
UFC 282 was originally set to be headlined by Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira in a rematch for Prochazka’s belt. Unfortunately, the Czech Republic native was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a serious shoulder injury, and he also decided to vacate his belt in the process, leaving it vacant. With Prochazka out, the UFC asked Teixeira to fight Ankalaev at UFC 282.
However, the veteran Brazilian said he needed more time to prepare for the Russian. The UFC needed a main event for its upcoming pay-per-view and decided to go with Ankalaev against Blachowicz, the former champion himself. This fight is now the official headliner of UFC 282 on December 10 in Las Vegas. According to the betting odds, Ankalaev is about a -250 favorite to win the belt, with the odds given to Blachowicz recapturing the title at around +200.
While the oddsmakers feel like Ankalaev is the favorite in this fight, that doesn’t mean that Blachowicz can’t win. Indeed, one of the UFC’s top analysts and a former champion himself in the form of Bisping believes that the Pole can get his hand raised if he follows a specific game plan. Speaking on his podcast, Bisping explained how Blachowicz can get the job done.
“I feel like Jan Blachowicz, if he can stop the takedown, the fight is going to be in his favor – but it’s going to be hard. Magomed, he’s a Dagestani. He’s a master of the sport in sambo. Regardless, the takedowns are going to be absolutely key. Not to say Magomed can’t strike, but Blachowicz is very good on the feet. He’s got the bigger power. It all comes down to whether or not Blachowicz can keep it on the feet. If he can, I can see a knockout victory for Jan Blachowicz – or Magomed is going to take him down, try and outwrestle him,” Bisping said (via MMAjunkie.com).
It will be interesting to see how this fight plays out. Blachowicz is definitely a talented striker with legitimate knockout power, but Ankalaev is no slouch on the feet himself, and as Bisping suggested, likely has the wrestling edge as well. That being said, it’s an MMA fight and there are numerous ways to win and lose, so it will be interesting to see how this fight plays out.
Do you agree with Michael Bisping about Jan Blachowicz’s path to victory against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282?
