WATCH: Jan Blachowicz Destroys Dominick Reyes to Claim the Light Heavyweight Championship

The first title fight at UFC 253 is in the history books, and fans witnessed an absolute shocker that defied pre-fight expectations. Jan Blachowicz shocked the world to ascend to the pinnacle of the 205-pound division. He claimed the throne to kick start the post-Jon Jones era on September 26, 2020. 

As a result of his TKO win, the Polish fighter became the thirteenth light heavyweight champion. Furthermore, he is the second UFC champion from the country after women’s strawweight fighter, Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

Blachowicz looked solid on his feet and kept at it throughout the opening round. He landed a left kick to leave a nasty welt on the top-ranked contender’s right side. The attack left Reyes wobbled and planted doubts in fans’ minds that he may not pull off an encore of his UFC 247 showing against ‘Bones’.

Jan Blachowicz out strikes Dominick Reyes in a clinic

In round two, the Polish fighter maintained his momentum and ‘The Devastator’ could not shake him off. However, he played smart and did not rush in, thus prolonging the event. This changed in the final 60 seconds of the round as the 37-year-old sensed a finish. 

Blachowicz moved ahead with an offensive flurry and had Reyes backpedaling. ‘The Devastator’ covered up following five swift strikes. He attempted to tie his opponent but was unsuccessful as the Pole broke free and connected cleanly to the right side. 

The two traded punches, with Reyes falling victim to a nasty uppercut that made a sickening sound. As the sound of flesh connecting with flesh echoed across the Flash Forum, Reyes landed a high kick. But, he may have thrown it as an instinctive reflex rather than with devastating intent. 

Blachowicz shrugged off any offense thrown at him and weathered the storm. He landed another left hand to send Reyes down. At this point, the seasoned veteran didn’t relent as ‘The Devastator’ hit the floor. He smelt blood and continued to land strikes until the referee waved off the fight, thereby declaring him the champion. 

What did you make of Jan Blachowicz’s impeccable game plan and execution at the Flash Forum?

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