Jan Blachowicz Not Worried About Israel Adesanya’s Speed Ahead of UFC 259

UFC light-heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz, will make his first title defense this weekend at UFC 259 against Israel Adesanya. The middleweight champion is making a move up to the 205lbs division as he looks to capture his second UFC belt.

Much has been made of Adesanya’s striking speed and accuracy and how it can potentially trouble Blachowicz. However, the Polish fighter doesn’t seem worried by those suggestions as he explained to Ariel Helwani why it won’t be much of a problem for him to handle any offerings from ‘Stylebender’.

During a recent interview, Blachowicz said, “That’s it if he won’t be you know really fast if he focuses on this you know, maybe he will put a little bit more weight so he will be slower and he loses his best weapon you know.”

“I think otherwise he’s gonna be so low weight like in you know that’s why but you know I don’t care I train with guys with his division so I’m ready for his speed and that’s it. And I’m gonna use my you know my power my weight to make him tired you know on clinch. I use everything that I can to win this fight,” he added.

Adesanya doesn’t cut too much weight for his middleweight bouts. So, one might expect him to come well under the 205lbs limit of the light-heavyweight division at the weigh-ins.

Blachowicz believes Adesanya will lose his best weapon, i.e. speed if he looks to put on mass ahead of their fight. On the other hand, if ‘Stylebender’ comes around his usual weight, it would give Blachowicz an opportunity to use his superior strength.

Can Jan Blachowicz be successful in his first title defense?

Blachowicz will have a tough job in hand as ‘Stylebender‘ is one of a kind. It is hard to get training partners of Adesanya’s style and caliber to get ready for a bout against him. So, the timing and precision of the middleweight champion can very well catch the Polish fighter off-guard.

However, Blachowicz’s ‘Legendary Polish Power’ is not something to overlook, as he can change the course of any fight with one shot. Also, the wrestling and click exchanges will be crucial, as it will give Blachowicz an opportunity to showcase his superior strength. Fans are hyped up to see how the fight goes this weekend.

What did you make of Jan Blachowicz’s assessment about Israel Adesanya? Can the Polish fighter reign supreme at UFC 259?