Exclusive: Jan Blachowicz Thinks UFC London Win Secures Another Title Shot

Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1) will return to the Octagon after a near two-year absence, and he couldn't be happier.

Blachowicz was last seen in pro MMA action on July 29, 2023. He lost a highly debated split decision to Alex Pereira, who went on to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. The Cieszyn native was put on the shelf after his injured shoulder required surgery.

In the co-main event of UFC London on Saturday, Blachowicz makes the walk for a prize fight once again, this time against rising contender Carlos Ulberg (12-1). Speaking to Athlon Sports, Blachowicz said the circumstances are just right.

"I'm happy," Blachowicz said. "Finally, I'm here again. I feel this emotion, this pressure, but I like it, I love it, I miss it. I'm happy that I'm healthy, and I can do this one more time here in London with Ulberg. Everything is perfect for me, the time, the opponent. I'm just happy. I enjoy everything that's happening right now around me."

Blachowicz insists that he wasn't upset about spending some time away from competition. In fact, he feels prioritizing his health was beneficial for the remainder of his fighting career.

"First of all, I had to focus on these injuries and being 100 percent healthy," Blachowicz said. "I focus on this. Of course I watch fights and see what's happening over there, but I focus on my health and private things to do because I think that's going to be better for my mental health."

During Blachowicz's time away, Pereira reigned as the UFC light heavyweight titleholder, and he successfully defended his gold three times. Recently, "Poatan" lost the championship to Magomed Ankalaev. While Blachowicz didn't see the bout, he views Ankalaev's title win as a positive for him personally.

"Four weeks before my fight, I don't watch the fight," Blachowicz said. "I always do it like this. So, I will watch it after Saturday, and I will talk a little bit more, but when I spoke with my friends who are also fighters, they said Magomed won; nothing to discuss about this. For me, all it was, was 50-50. It was time for Ankalaev, and that's it; he was better. For me, it's also a good situation because we've got unfinished business, we've got our story, and maybe after Saturday I'm going to be the next contender to the title shot."

Before Blachowicz can think about reclaiming UFC gold, he must get past Ulberg, who hasn't lost a bout since March 6, 2021. The Polish bruiser respects Ulberg's standup game.

"Yeah, I have to be careful all the time," Blachowicz said. "He's a good fighter, seven wins in a row. So, he has to be good, and I need to be very careful. Very good kickboxer. So, this part of the fight will be very interesting because I'm also a standup fighter. I think it's going to be a good fight for watching. It's going to be a very good test for me right now after this break. I've got some questions, and he's going to give me the answers, and I'm happy to have these answers on Saturday."