Thiago Santos defeats Jan Blachowicz via TKO in UFC Prague main event
Thiago Santos has shown again the power he holds in both his hands defeating Jan Blachowicz by way of third round technical knockout.
Currently ranked number four, Santos is coming off back-to-back Performance of the Night awards. His previous battle, well…. all out war, with Jimi “Poster Boy” Manuwa proved the toughness and power Santos possesses. He displayed again tonight in Prague exactly what he is capable of.
Santos was to come up against a different type of fighter in Jan Blachowicz. A much calmer and disciplined fighter, Silva was determined to abandon his reckless yet exciting constant forward movement for a more conservative style.
From early on, it was obvious Jan was taking a well-disciplined approach to the bout expecting Thiago to go “full throttle” and gas out. Blachowicz, convinced he would be the fresher fighter in the later rounds found himself facing a more relaxed Santos.
Both fighters threw back and forth landing minimal significant strikes. Santos landed a well-timed left hook whilst Jan continuously landed body and leg shots, otherwise relatively quiet first two rounds.
In round three, Jan abandoned his previous game plan and began pressing forward with heavier shots trying to catch the Brazilian off guard. Santos stepped back landing a perfectly time right hook followed by a brutal left hand to drop Blachowicz to the canvas. Jan immediately covered up with the referee stepping in after Santos followed with ground and pound to win the fight via TKO.
What is next for Santos and the Light Heavyweight Division?
With Jon “Bones” Jones vs Anthony “The Lionheart” Smith bout still undecided, the question is who takes on the winner?
Thiago Santos has made a statement tonight against one of the best in the division proving that he is 100% capable in taking on the best of the best. Tonight, receiving his third consecutive Performance of the Night award and forth consecutive win, should gain him the title of number one contender.
Thiago was very vocal in who he wants going forward. In the post-fight interview with Dan Hardy, Santos made it known he wants a title shot. His comments were translated to “I am going to Las Vegas to watch Anthony Smith against Jon Jones. If it’s Anthony Smith, I’ll beat him again. If it’s Jon Jones I’ll beat him too!”
Jan Blachowicz’s win streak has been ended but the Polish native will be looking to bounce back immediately. Blachowicz should take on the winner of upcoming matchup between Volkan Oezdemir vs the undefeated Dominick Reyes next month. Reyes is currently on a four-fight winning streak whilst Volkan has lost his last two.
The question still being is asked whether Daniel “DC” Cormier will ever return to the division to take on his nemesis Jon Jones.
Daniel Cormier has stated he will pre-long his retirement but will not be returning to the Light Heavyweight Division. These comments led to further speculation regarding potential “big money” matchup against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. Currently Cormier is unavailable due to injury so arguably safe to rule out of title contention.
