UFC 253 Dominick Reyes vs Jan Blachowicz: Preview, Prediction and Analysis, who leaves as the Light Heavyweight Champ?


UFC 253 Dominick Reyes vs Jan Blachowicz: Preview, Prediction and Analysis, who leaves as the Light Heavyweight Champ?
Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz

The much awaited fight between Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz is all set to be the co-main event of UFC 253. This fight will decide who will be the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 26 September at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

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The fight will give us the Light Heavyweight King after Jon Jones‘ decision to vacate the title after a decade of dominance. UFC odds have Reyes as the -290 favorite while Błachowicz comes back at +225. Reyes comes off an arguably “controversial’ loss from former champ Jon Jones as “Bones” won via split decision. Even though, “The Devestator” lost, he humbled Jon “Bones” Jones and showed the world he is here to win.

UFC 253 Reyes vs Blachowicz Preview

Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz

Dominick “The Devestator” Reyes proved to the world how good he is at UFC 247. He showcased his skills against Jon Jones, a veteran of the game. It was a very close fight and even though he lost. 14 of 21 media outlets scored the fight in favor of Reyes, and it’s the only defeat on his resume.

Reyes is long, powerful and athletic. He was twice named to the All-Conference team while playing football for the Stony Brook Seawolves. The main power lies in his explosiveness accompanied by the delivery of precision. The 30-year-old is a terrific kickboxer, in terms of both technique and power, who lands 4.88 significant strikes per minute.

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With wins over major contenders like Volkan Oezdemir, Jared Cannonier and Ovince St. Preux, “The Devastator” will be a powerhouse that is hard to contain.

Jan Blachowicz vs Luke Rockhold

Just like wine, it is safe to say that Jan Blachowicz has aged fine and has become better. The 37 year old Polish war machine is ranked as the #3 UFC Light Heavyweight rankings. He has won seven of his last eight fights. These include Corey Anderson, Ronaldo Souza and Luke Rockhold. The 37-year-old is the former KSW light heavyweight champ.

Blachowicz is a strong striker with excellent boxing ability. He’s also an adept grappler with a background in BJJ and nine submission wins in his career.

Even though there is a lot of respect between the two, bad blood has started to boil. In a recent interview, the Polish predicted to finish Reyes in the third round of the five round event. “Third round, he goes down.”

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Reyes and Blachowicz during faceoffs

The two last met at the press conference and weigh ins and faced off without saying a word. Both the athletes made championship weight at 205lbs.

Even though no words were exchanged, this co-main will surely be a power packed fight.

UFC 253 Co-Main Predictions

REYES TO WIN: Many fans thought Reyes deserved the decision victory against Jones. With a lot of hype created by the MMA community for giving the win to the former champ, it was certainly a close battle and Reyes showed just how dangerous he can be. 

Both these fighters are capable on the ground but are more comfortable standing up. “It will be more of a kickboxing event rather than a wrestling match” said Blachowicz, “but if i get the chance to take him to the ground, i will.” So this is where the fight will likely wind up when you consider Reyes’ 82 percent takedown defense. 

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When it comes to striking, Reyes has several advantages. He has a one inch reach advantage over his opponent. His devastating kicking ability and excellent movement will allow him to maintain distance and avoid damage in inside exchanges. Fighting as a Southpaw also makes Reyes tough to figure out and gives him plenty of angles to attack from, even against a fighter like Blachowicz who can switch stances. Also keeping in mind the age difference between the two deadly Light Heavyweights. We like the younger and more athletic fighter to win this one.

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