Last night at UFC Fight Night 167 in Rio
Rancho, New Mexico, Jan Blachowicz made himself a top contender by knocking out
the red-hot Corey Anderson in the very first round. Blachowicz now joins
Dominick Reyes as the most viable options to challenge Jon Jones for the
light-heavyweight belt.
Immediately following his victory, Blachowicz
turned to Jones, who was in attendance, and called for his shot at the title.
In an interview with Laura Sanko
following the event, Jones acknowledged the possibility of Blachowicz now being
his next challenger. When asked if he thinks Blachowicz will be his next
opponent, Jones stated “I could totally see the UFC matching us up with each
other.”
By displaying his Polish power yet again last night,
Jan Blachowicz has presented a dilemma for President Dana White. Is an
immediate rematch between Jones and Reyes in order, or should it be put on hold
for a new challenger by the name of Jan Blachowicz.
Dominick Reyes earned a rematch with Jones after
nearly beating him two weeks ago; yet that does not mean it has to happen right
away. Reyes is only 30 years old and he has solidified himself as a
championship contender within the division.
Meanwhile Blachowicz has now won seven of his last
eight, including wins over Jared Cannonier, Luke Rockhold, Jacare Souza, and
now Corey Anderson. Blachowicz, now 36, has never looked better and deserves a
chance at championship gold.
Jones v. Blachowicz is the fight to make, and it
should be made soon. Jones claimed last night that he is fully healed and ready
to go, while Jan hardly took damage in his win last night.
This fight could happen as early as June, which
would allow for the winner to defend it against Reyes at the end of 2020.