Michael Bisping reveals "key factor" likely to determine outcome of Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has stated that Jan Blachowicz must stop Magomed Ankalaev's takedowns in order to be victorious.
UFC 282 was thrown into chaos this week after it was announced that 205lbs champion Jiri Prochazka had vacated the title due to a shoulder injury. His scheduled opponent, Glover Teixeira, refused to accept a title bout against another fighter, meaning Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev has been promoted to the main event for the vacant belt.
The Pole now has the opportunity to become a two-time light heavyweight champion. To achieve that, he must overcome the dominant Dagestani and sambo wrestling of Ankalaev.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping laid out what he believes are the keys to victory for both men:
"I feel like Jan Blachowicz, if he can stop the takedown, the fight is going to be in his favor, but it's going to be hard. Magomed is a Dagestani and is a master of the sport of sambo wrestling... Regardless, the takedowns are going to be absolutely the key factors. Not to say Magomed can't strike but Blachowicz is great on the feet... If he can, I can see a KO victory for Jan Blachowicz or Magomed is going to take him down."
Catch the full video here:
Jan Blachowicz reveals he didn't know bout versus Magomed Ankalaev was for title until after UFC promoted it
The UFC is often praised for its ability to change cards at the last minute, which was certainly the case following Jiri Prochazka's serious shoulder injury ahead of UFC 282.
According to Dana White, the injury to 'Denisa' is so severe that it's the worst some doctors have seen in the UFC. The Czech-born fighter is now set to be sidelined for at least six months.
I am very disappointed to announce that I will not be defending my belt at UFC 282. I was injured in training in Las Vegas while finishing my preparation for my title defense in the UFC's lightheavyweight division. https://t.co/0KUEBZVPuK
Following the breaking news, the UFC bumped Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev to the main event on December 10, which was a surprise to both light heavyweight fighters.
In a tweet by MMA reporter Ariel Helwani, Blachowicz reportedly told him that he had "no idea" he was now fighting for the title until his plane had landed:
"Jan Blachowicz landed in Vegas minutes ago. He didn’t have wifi on the plane. He JUST found out he is now fighting for the belt on Dec. 10, he tells me. Had no idea until he turned his phone on. All this happened while he was in the air."
Jan Blachowicz landed in Vegas minutes ago.
He didn’t have wifi on the plane.
He JUST found out he is now fighting for the belt on Dec. 10, he tells me. Had no idea until he turned his phone on. All this happened while he was in the air.