“Never lost a rematch” – Jan Blachowicz warns Aleksandar Rakic as UFC announce much-anticipated rematch

Explore the high-stakes rematch at UFC 297, where Jan Blachowicz seeks to maintain his perfect rematch record and regain the light heavyweight championship.

“Never lost a rematch” – Jan Blachowicz warns Aleksandar Rakic as UFC announce much-anticipated rematch

Jan Blachowicz fighting Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 297 (Image via: X/Aleksandar Rakic, X/Jan Blachowicz)

UFC 295 crowned Alex Pereira as the new champion in the light heavyweight division. Since Jon Jones‘ departure after UFC 247, Pereira is the fifth champion in the division. With former champion Jamahal Hill sidelined with injury there was a shortage of contenders in the division. Fortunately, the UFC has announced a fight between Aleksandar Rakic and Jan Blachowicz for UFC 297 in Toronto Canada at the Scotiabank Arena.

UFC 297 would be a rematch of their initial fight at UFC Vegas 54 which ended after Rakic injured his knee in the third round. Blachowicz has not won a bout since then, as he drew with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282 in his title bout. Moreover, this was followed by a split-decision loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 291. Blachowicz is very hyped for the upcoming clash against Rakic. He tweeted the excitement with the caption:

I've never lost a rematch. See you in Toronto, January 20. #UFC297.
Jan Blachowicz via X
YouTube video

Apparently, Blachowicz has never lost a rematch in his professional MMA career. The Polish champion who has held light heavyweight titles in the UFC and KSW is 3-0 in rematches. His first rematch was against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at KSW 17, where he won by unanimous decision. At KSW 15, Blachowicz lost to Sokoudjou due to a leg injury. It was his only rematch at KSW where he went 17-2 as a professional.

Blachowicz has fought rematches twice in the UFC. He won the rematches against Jimi Manuwa and Corey Anderson after losing to both by decision in their respective first meeting inside the octagon.

The Polish fighter last fought at UFC 290 against Alex Pereira who is now the light heavyweight champion. With a victory over Rakic at UFC 297, Blachowicz is looking to win back the title he once held. Incidentally, he lost the title to Glover Teixeira, Pereira’s mentor and close friend.

Jan Blachowicz eyeing a rematch against Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title

Alex Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka for the light heavyweight title and called out Israel Adesanya. Many have shown dissent for the callout, and Jan Blachowicz is no exception. Blachowicz has a history with both Pereira and Adesanya. Adesanya was his first and only defense of his light heavyweight reign.

Jan Blachowicz annoyed by Alex Pereira's callout to Israel Adesanya
Jan Blachowicz annoyed by Alex Pereira’s callout to Israel Adesanya (via IMAGO/X)

Blachowicz, who is undefeated in rematches, voiced his dissent on X (formerly Twitter). He wanted to rematch Pereira and felt he won their last encounter. Check out what Jan Blachowicz tweeted below:

Interestingly, the light heavyweight division is stacked with fighters from the European Union. They have four fighters in the top 5, 6 in the top 10, and 7 in the top 15. Blachowicz is the oldest of the pack. Nevertheless, he still has a chance to reclaim the title with his “Legendary Polish Power.’ With the UK now having two champions in the UFC, Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall, the future looks bright for MMA and the UFC in Europe.

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