UFC 282: Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev Preview, Betting Odds and Prediction - December 10
In a spot of great news for Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev, their No.1 contender bout has been upgraded to a UFC light heavyweight championship fight. The change comes following former champion Jiri Prochazka's catastrophic shoulder injury that forced him to vacate the title. No.1 contender Glover Teixeira subsequently backed out of the show as well, thus promoting this exciting semi-main to main event status.
Blachowicz has only fought once since his lopsided submission loss to Teixeira at UFC 267 last year. The loss cost 'Polish Power' the light heavyweight gold in his second defense. Since then, he's picked up a TKO victory over Aleksandar Rakic.
Ankalaev, meanwhile, is riding high on a nine-fight winning streak, most recently defeating Anthony Smith via TKO at UFC 277. The Dagestani sambo master has certainly got more momentum heading into the biggest clash of his career thus far.
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev Fight Details
Date & Time: Saturday, December 10, 11:00p.m. EST (approx)
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev Betting Odds
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev Tale of the Tape
Despite being one inch taller, Ankalaev will have a three-inch reach disadvantage against the comparatively rangier Blachowicz. Both fighters typically employ an orthodox stance in the ring. Ankalaev is proficient in combat sambo and often relies on his extensive Greco-Roman wrestling experience to enforce rough takedowns on his foes.
Jan Blachowicz, meanwhile, is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, making him especially dangerous when fights go to the ground. As seen in his UFC 259 victory over then-middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, 'Polish Power' has a knack for bullying and smothering opponents on the mat.
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction
The legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov has tipped his fellow Dagestani for glory in the UFC light heavyweight division. Considering Ankalaev's dismantling of former title challenger Anthony Smith, it's hard to disagree with 'The Eagle's assessment. Furthermore, his decision wins over Thiago Santos and Volkan Oezdemir showcased his durability should he not secure a knockout early on as he so often has in the octagon.
Blachowicz, meanwhile, got off to a great start when he finally ascended the mountain in the division. Clobbering Dominick Reyes for the vacant title, Blachowicz used his strength and jiu-jitsu techniques to halt 'The Last Stylebender's light heavyweight ambitions to remain champion. However, his submission loss to Glover Teixeira proved he's beatable where he's typically strongest.
Despite his improvements and success in recent years, 'Polish Power' will be fighting an uphill battle against a younger, better-rounded fighter for the gold.
Prediction: Ankalaev by KO/TKO
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet