Jan Blachowicz says he was in for a surprise when he actually faced Israel Adesanya inside the octagon at UFC 259
UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz thought he had Israel Adesanya figured out when the two met inside the octagon at UFC 259.
Before the fight, the middleweight champion’s speed and agility were touted as the biggest threat to the champ. And Jan’s knockout power was what the Nigerian-born Kiwi had to fear.
But things are often not the same inside the octagon as they are made to be on paper. That is something that the Pole addressed when talking to ESPN MMA earlier this week.
Blachowicz stated that Adesanya’s speed was lesser than he expected it to be. However, he revealed that he felt the full force of the his kicks.
“The most important, I thought he was going to be a little bit faster. Inside the octagon, he was not as fast as he looked when I watched his fights, but he kicked harder than I thought. So he was slower but his kicks were harder than I thought they were.”
What could be the next fight for Jan Blachowicz and Israel Adesanya?
Blachowicz looks like he will face off against Glover Teixeira. The Brazilian has been patiently waiting for his shot at the title and has amassed an impressive 5 fight-win-streak in the meantime.
With Jon Jones up to heavyweight and primed to fight the winner of Stipe Miocic vs Francis Ngannou 2, it is pretty obvious that ‘Bones’ will not be an immediate threat to his belt.
As for Adesanya, he is left with 2 major options. One can be chasing Blachowicz again to try and get a rematch.
The other is a return to 185, a division which he has swept already. The champion could take on Darren Till or even Robert Whittaker in a rematch of their UFC 243 title fight.
More UFC News:
- Petr Yan’s illegal knee opens a can of worms on MMA rules and how officials failed at UFC 259
- (Watch) Jan Blachowicz and Israel Adesanya share hilarious “bodyguard” offer after UFC 259
- (Photos) Aljamain Sterling sent repulsive and hate mail from Russian fans after Petr Yan illegal knee at UFC 259
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