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JAN BLACHOWICZ VS MAGOMED ANKALAEV FACTS
When is UFC 282? Sunday 11th December, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 282? T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 282? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 282
What channel is UFC 282 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 282? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JAN BLACHOWICZ VS MAGOMED ANKALAEV LOWDOWN
Jan Blachowicz (29-9) was not expecting to be headlining UFC 282, let alone for the light heavyweight strap. Glover Teixeira (2021) took the belt off him with a clinical grappling display submitting him in the second round. Jiri Prochazka then submitted the Brazilian in a wild battle and their rematch was scheduled for this card, but Prochazka was forced out with a bad shoulder injury. He decided to vacate the title so, Blachowicz stepped up for his own rematch only for Teixeira to refuse the match-up.
This has opened the door for Magomed Ankalaev (18-1). It was only a matter of time before he challenged for the title, however, fortunate circumstances from his point of view has delivered his dream opportunity right on his lap. He only has one loss in the books which occurred on his debut against Paul Craig (2018). He was cruising the fight but got caught in the Scot’s triangle in the last second of the fight. Ankalaev has made up for it by winning his last nine coming off a unanimous decision over Thiago Santos and a TKO over Anthony Smith this year.
JAN BLACHOWICZ VS MAGOMED ANKALAEV PREDICTION
The light heavyweight division has come a long way in the last few years illustraed by this match-up which should really be a number one contender fight. They are both extremely well-rounded. They are both supreme strikers where Ankalaev has the edge when it comes to wrestling and Blachowicz has the edge when it comes to jiu-jitsu.
Blachowicz is more likely to initiate any grappling however, he has duked it out with top tier strikers including Israel Adesanya and the power in his left hand is well known so he will be very confident on the feet. However, Ankalaev is arguably the best striker in the division.
The Russian will look to control the range luring Blachowicz into his web where he will pierce the guard with his jab and 1-2 and hope to find a home for his lethal kicks. The Pole on the other hand will want to close the distance and keep this at Muay Thai range targeting the body and setting up his monster left hook .
We can see Ankalaev landing more while constantly circling forcing Blachowicz to jump on a clinch and try and drag the fight to the canvas like he did to Adesanya. It would be very interesting if he can get Ankalaev on his back. The Russian has exceptional takedown defence so Blachowicz will have to expend a lot of energy to try.
This is going to be extremely competitive in the striking and grappling exchanges. Blachowicz has the advantage when it comes to experience and five-round fights, but if he cannot mix in some grappling or break the distance, he will be in for a long night.
We feel Ankalaev’s sambo and takedown defence could swing this in his favour by keeping the majority of the fight on the feet. We feel he has what it takes to win and even get a knockout. However, he will have to fight through the most adversity has experienced so far in his career.
Prediction: Ankalev via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Blachowicz to win