Dana White and the UFC’s matchmakers may have a new factor to consider in the light heavyweight division. The title picture may get a little more interesting in the next few weeks. Former 205-pound champion Jan Blachowicz posted a message on X suggesting his return to the Octagon is coming sooner rather than later.
Blachowicz won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2020 after Jon Jones vacated the belt to move up to heavyweight. He scored a second-round TKO win over Dominick Reyes in September 2020 to capture his first and only UFC title to date.
Blachowicz successfully defended his title with a unanimous decision win over Israel Adesanya in March 2021. Blachowicz’s ability to defend his title against a star like Adesanya cemented his reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division.
However, Blachowicz lost the belt in his next defense, suffering a second-round submission defeat to Glover Teixeira in October 2021.
Since losing the title, injuries have limited Blachowicz’s activity in the Octagon. He scored a TKO victory over Aleksandar Rakic in May 2022, though the fight ended due to an injury to Rakic. Later that year, Blachowicz fought Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant light heavyweight title, resulting in a draw after Jiri Prochazka vacated the belt due to injury.
In his most recent bout, Blachowicz welcomed Alex Pereira to the light heavyweight division, losing a split decision in July 2023. Pereira’s split decision win over Blachowicz demonstrated his ability to compete at light heavyweight despite questions about his durability and cardio. This fight is one of only two UFC bouts Pereira has had that went the distance.
As Blachowicz approaches a two-year absence from competition, he appears eager to return. At 41 years old, he will need to make an immediate impact upon his return.
Magomed Ankalaev, the No. 1 contender, is likely next in line to challenge Pereira for the light heavyweight title. That fight could take place at UFC 312 in February or UFC 313 in March, with a later date being unlikely.
Jiri Prochazka, ranked No. 2, will face No. 3-ranked Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 in January. Prochazka’s return fight against Hill could determine the division’s pecking order for 2025, with both men seeking to reclaim the title.
Blachowicz, currently ranked No. 4, could potentially rematch No. 5 Rakic upon his return, as their first meeting ended with Rakic suffering an injury.
Another exciting possibility would see Blachowicz face No. 6-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. Both men are coming off losses to Pereira, with Rountree suffering a fourth-round stoppage in an ultra-competitive fight in October. Rountree’s competitive showing against Pereira raised his profile as a legitimate contender, even in defeat. Rountree is recovering from injuries and may not return until March.
A fight between Blachowicz and Rountree could headline a Fight Night card or feature prominently on a pay-per-view event. Regardless of his opponent, fans should keep an eye out for more details about Blachowicz’s return, which, according to his statement, could be coming “soon.”
