UFC London: Jan Blachowicz's 'perfect scenario' includes rematching Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira
Jan Blachowicz hopes he can disrupt the UFC’s plans of a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) defeated Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) by unanimous decision to become light heavyweight champion in Saturday’s UFC 313 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Blachowicz’s past two fights came against Ankalaev and Pereira.
After going to a split draw in his title fight against Ankalaev at UFC 282, Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) lost a split decision to Pereira at UFC 291. He will look to rebound when he takes on Carlos Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) March 22 in the UFC Fight Night 255 co-headliner from O2 Arena in London.
With a win, Blachowicz targets another title fight against Ankalaev, followed by a rematch against Pereira.
“What’s going to happen? I’m going to have a title shot against Anakalaev,” Blachowicz said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “First of all, I focus only on Ulberg. I’m going to beat him. Then if you ask me what’s next, only this. We’ve got our story – unfinished business we have to finish.
“First of all, I’m focused only on my next fight. Yes, I will beat Ulberg and then take title shot against Ankalaev. I beat Ankalaev, and then rematch against Pereira. I defend the belt against Pereira. This is the perfect scenario for me. Then I can go to the mountains again.”
It appears all signs are pointing to Ankalaev and Pereira running things back next. Pereira recently revealed that negotiations for a rematch are currently underway.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.