Ex-UFC Champion Prepares for Comeback with Designated Contender in Significant Title Contention Fight
If you're a fan of Jan Blachowicz and you think he's the only one in his weight class with a shot at unseating Alex Pereira, you'll be excited to know some good news from last Tuesday.
The ex-UFC light heavyweight champion, who's been on a break after losing to Pereira by split decision in July 2023, is making a comeback. The UFC officially announced Blachowicz's return date, event, and opponent on Tuesday.
Ranked fourth in the division, Blachowicz will square off against seventh-ranked Carlos Ulberg in a crucial light heavyweight contest that could determine the next challenger for the UFC light heavyweight title. This battle will take place at UFC London on March 22.
In other news, the UFC also announced a significant heavyweight clash between eighth-ranked Marcin Tybura and 14th-ranked Mick Parkin.
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Landscape
Magomed Ankalaev, who's currently the No. 1 contender, is expected to face Pereira sometime in the first quarter of 2025. A possible matchup between them is set for March 8 at UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Should this happen, Pereira-Ankalaev will take place two weeks before Blachowicz-Ulberg, putting both winners on the same timeline (provided no major injuries occur).
The No. 2 and No. 3 fighters Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill, respectively, will meet at UFC 311 in January. If Procházka emerges victorious, he'll likely hope for Ankalaev to win as well.
Procházka has already lost to Pereira twice, and it's unlikely the UFC will schedule a third encounter between them. Hill has also faced Pereira once, but only suffered a defeat. Hills' past issues with Pereira might boost his chances of a rematch.
If Ankalaev secures a win, the light heavyweight division will be wide open (excluding a potential rematch for Pereira). However, there are whispers that Pereira may move up to heavyweight if he suffers a defeat in the light heavyweight division.
Should Pereira triumph over Ankalaev, the victor of Blachowicz-Ulberg would have the strongest case for a title shot among the division's fighters. Blachowicz gave Pereira a tough challenge just a year ago. A victory against Ulberg would only strengthen his claim for another shot.
If Ulberg wins, he'd establish himself as the next promising candidate with the potential to upset Pereira.
In any case, the rumored UFC London card (which is also supposed to feature the return of Leon Edwards) is shaping up to be an impressive event.
Confirmed Bouts for UFC London
- Marcin Tybura vs. Mick Parkin - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Jan Błachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg - Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
- Shauna Bannon vs. Puja Tomar - Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Andrey Pulyaev vs. Christian Leroy Duncan - Middleweight (185 lbs)
What's Next for the UFC? UFC Tampa
Admittedly, some UFC fans may feel a little disappointed that Saturday marks the end of 2024's UFC events. The following three weeks might feel like an offseason for die-hard MMA fans.
Here's a sneak peek at the entire UFC Tampa card:
- Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley (Welterweight)
- Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo (Featherweight)
- Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva (Flyweight)
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino (Light Heavyweight)
- Daniel Marcos vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight)
- Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos (Light Heavyweight)
- Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar (Lightweight)
- Drakkar Klose vs. Joel Alvarez (Lightweight)
- Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla (Featherweight)
- Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima (Featherweight)
- Miranda Maverick vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (Flyweight)
- Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras (Bantamweight)
- Piera Rodriguez vs. Joseline Knutsson (Strawweight)
- The announcement of Alex Pereira's next fight hasn't been made yet, but fans are eagerly awaiting the news.
- Interestingly, UFC 313, which is set to take place on March 8, will feature a significant light heavyweight clash between Magomed Ankalaev and the current No. 1 contender.
- The UFC 311 event in January will see Jir̆í Procházka, the No. 2 ranked fighter, facing off against Jamahal Hill, the No. 3 ranked fighter.
- Alex Pereira, who currently holds the UFC light heavyweight title, had a grueling fight against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 310, where he managed to secure a split decision win.
