Jan Blachowicz is the Frontrunner to Face Jon Jones Next

Jan Blachowicz made an emphatic statement when he knocked out Corey Anderson in the first round of what was a title eliminator fight. Not only did he eliminate Anderson from a title shot, but Blachowicz also damaged Dominick Reyes’ chances of getting an immediate rematch with Jon Jones. 

A few weeks ago, Jon Jones scored a controversial unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Most pundits, fighters and fans were calling for an immediate rematch between Reyes and Jones. However, Blachowicz’s impressive victory has now put him at the front of the line to face Jon Jones next for the UFC light heavyweight title. 

Despite his convincing victory over the higher ranked Anderson, oddsmakers have opened with Blachowicz as a large underdog at +400 odds and Jon Jones listed as a -600 favorite. If you don’t know what these numbers mean, and still need to learn how to bet on the UFC, it’s really simple. 

If you bet $100 dollars on Blachowicz then you will win $400 dollars if he beats Jon Jones. However, if you want to wager on Jones then you will have to bet $600 dollars to win $100 due to his odds being so high. 

Will Jon Jones Accept Fight with Jan Blachowicz?

The UFC light heavyweight champ was in attendance last weekend to watch the Blachowicz vs Anderson fight. Jones was very impressed with Blachowicz’s performance and believes the streaking contender deserves a title shot: 

“I think everyone knows the winner of that fight [was] in title contention. To finish the fight the way he did, first round knockout, I don’t see how the guy can be denied. Jan’s been looking great. The way he knocked out Luke Rockhold. The way he just knocked out Corey Anderson. I think he’s very deserving.”

By all accounts, Jones seems more eager to face Blachowicz than Dominick Reyes. Although he’s open to both fights, the fresh challenge seems to be more appealing to the pound for pound best fighter in MMA. 

In reality, there aren’t many more matchups for Jones in the light heavyweight division. After Blachowicz and Reyes, Jones could make the long awaited jump to the heavyweight division. 

Blachowicz Believes He’s Next 

Following his impressive knockout of Anderson, Blachowicz shouted toward Jon Jones in attendance and said that he was next. After the event, Blachowicz continued to state to the media that he was next to face Jon Jones and that he was going to knock him out. 

Whether he can beat Jones or not is a debate for another day. What’s not a debate is Blachowicz’s resume to face Jones. 

Blachowicz scored the 16th stoppage victory of his career when he KO’d Anderson in just over three minutes. It was also the 7th TKO/KO win of his career. 

What About Dominick Reyes?

For Reyes to remain the top challenger to Jones’ title, he needed Blachowicz or Anderson to have a subpar performance. Unfortunately, the highlight reel knockout victory for Blachowicz more than likely dropped Reyes from getting an immediate rematch according to many outlets. 

Although the UFC has yet to make an official decision, they appear to have cooled off on talk of running back Reyes vs Jones right away. Instead, Blachowicz has become the trending pick to face Jones in his next title defense.