“I Will Not Go There for the Money”- Jan Blachowicz Wants to Fight for the UFC Heavyweight Belt

Reigning light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz is getting ready to make his second title defense against veteran Glover Teixeira at UFC 267. The Polish native is coming off an impressive first title defense against middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, thwarting Adesanya’s goal of being a champion at two weight classes. However, as for the matchup with Glover Teixeira, Blachowicz will have his hands full.

After a series of difficulties in his career, Glover Teixeira seems to have found a second wind and has been wreaking havoc in the division ever since. The Brazilian native is on a five-fight win streak, with wins against top contenders, including Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos.

In fact, at 41, it is astonishing to see a fighter still competing at the highest level in MMA. Know for his exceptional grappling ability, Teixeira has proven to be a major threat on the ground.

Nevertheless, Jan Blachowicz is confident in his fabled Polish power and predicts a knockout victory against the veteran. In fact, If Jan Blachowicz can continue to defend his title a few times, there isn’t much to keep him from attempting to make a move up to heavyweight as well.

Interestingly, in a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Blachowicz gave his thoughts on moving up a weight class to become a two-division champion,

“If I will go to heavyweight, then I would like to be the champion in heavyweight also. I will not go there just for money. If I start doing something, I want to be the best in that.”  

One can certainly imagine Blachowicz making a smooth transition to heavyweight. Considering his height and reach, Blachowicz won’t suffer too much of a size advantage. Furthermore, there will be no lack of exciting opponents for him at heavyweight.

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What’s next for Jan Blachowicz?

A newly crowned light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has the tools to become one of the most dominant light heavyweights ever. Yes, he’s a long way away from competing with Jon Jones’s legacy. However, considering the current landscape of the division, Blachowicz could be the champion for the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, there are several exciting contenders that have recently emerged. No.2 light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka is the first to come to mind. The 28-year-old burst onto the scene earlier this year after a vicious knockout of Dominic Reyes.

Known for his awkward style and explosive power, Prochazka is a great matchup for Jan Blachowicz.

What do you think? What’s next for the reigning light heavyweight champion? Let us know in the comments.

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