Was Jan Blachowicz’s Win Over Israel Adesanya Legitimate?

Jan Blachowicz is perhaps one of the most underestimated fighters in UFC who has time and again been overshadowed by other fighters. Somehow, he was considered the underdog and was not really favored to win his past fights. However, he has gone ahead and proven himself as he has always done in the past. 

At UFC 259, Blachowicz proved everyone wrong and rose to the status of a champion. He faced the starfighter, Israel Adesanya, and won with a unanimous decision. 

Adesanya decided to move to the light heavyweight division and while he was one of the most dominant fighters in the middleweight division, moving up broke his 20-0 winning streak. His fight with Blachowicz was definitely a crowd-puller. Many believed that Glover Teixeira was a much better opponent for the fighter, but fighting and winning against Adesanya helped him finally establish himself as a truly deserving champion.

With his fighting skills and patience, Blachowicz has not only won the respect of his audience but also of his opponent, Adesanya. In an interview, while discussing his first defeat, he said, “If I was going to lose to anyone, you know, what better guy to lose here than a guy like Jan, the classy champion.”

ALSO READ- “I Have Two Personalities” – Georges St-Pierre Reveals What Career He Has Chosen After UFC

Did Jan Blachowicz deserve to win?

There is no doubt that Adesanya is one of the best fighters UFC has seen. Blachowicz has steadily made his way to the top. Adesanya himself admitted that the Polish fighter’s offense, defense, and game plan were great. Blachowicz’s great grappling skills and size could have also been factors that contributed to his victory. Hence, Blachowicz’s win is surely a deserving one. 

A victory against Adesanya has certainly increased Blachowicz’s star power in UFC. Similarly, winning against Dominic Reyes through a knockout at UFC 253 enabled Blachowicz to hold the light heavyweight title. Hence, it seems that facing superstar fighters in the octagon is helping the 38-year-old fighter establish his well-earned place in the sport. And what better way to move ahead than face fighters like Teixeira and Jones!

A fight with Jones might not happen soon as the fighter has moved to the heavyweight division. However, a fight between Jones and Blachowicz is a highly anticipated one and could give Blachowicz a huge boost among the UFC audience. 

Fortunately, Blachowicz will face Teixeira at UFC 267. This fight will give both the powerful fighters a chance to grapple for the title. Who do you think will emerge victorious in this fight? Let us know in the comments below. 

Watch this story: Event Recap: Best Fights From UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez