Jan Blachowicz is considering moving down to middleweight to contend for the title. The former UFC light heavyweight champion would like to test Israel Adesanya again.
Israel Adesanya took on number two contender Jared Cannonier to headline UFC 276. The pair clashed for 5 rounds and Adesanya was announced as the victor via unanimous decision, marking his 5th successful title defense.
However, ‘The Last Stylebender’ disappointed many UFC fans with his ‘boring’ performance. Adesanya used a measured strategic style that seemed very lackluster and has been doing this for his last three fights. And unlike his other opponents Blachowicz has the recipe for victory.
When Adesanya moved up to light heavyweight, Blachowicz got the best of Adesanya thanks to checking leg kicks patiently in addition to a late in the bout takedown and control strategy.
Jan Blachowicz weighed in on Adesanya’s situation during his recent appearance in The MMA Hour.
“Maybe this is the reason that now he will be very careful in the fights to not make any mistakes. Just don’t lose the fight. Maybe I have to cut the weight and give him a rematch in his category. If I have a chance, why not? For Izzy and his belt, to fight for the belt? I can try.”
Adesanya is still undefeated in the middleweight division. Since snatching the title from Robert Whittaker in 2019, he has defended it 4 times so far. However, he tasted his one and only loss when he took on Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight belt in March of last year.
Adesanya weighed in 5 pound less than Blachowicz and was completely dominated by the Polish native.
When asked about the possibility of him cutting the weight to 185 pounds, Blachowicz explained that it’s very possible especially for a title bout.
“I don’t remember [the lightest I’ve been as an MMA fighter] but when I was a fighter in Muay Thai, it was 91 kilos or [200 pounds]. For a title, I can sacrifice myself a little bit. Why not? I will do it.” Blachowicz said.