Jan Blachowicz Makes Prediction For Tonight’s Bout With Dominick Reyes

Leading up to UFC 253, Jan Blachowicz has credited Dominick Reyes for his skills and abilities. But, not only does the contender expect to secure the light heavyweight title tonight, Blachowicz says he’ll do so before the fight reaches the championship rounds.

Blachowicz is predicting a KO win

Blachowicz will face Reyes in the co-headliner of UFC 253, which is going down on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The fighters are competing for the light heavyweight belt, which Jon Jones recently vacated.

The last time Jones defended the 205 crown was against Reyes this past February. While Jones emerged with the decision win, many people scored the fight for Reyes.

Although Reyes lost that bout, his stock in the MMA world rose considerably as a result of what transpired. So, as UFC 253 has neared, Blachowicz has repeatedly acknowledged that Reyes is a great fight.

But, it’s just that Blachowicz believes he’s even  better.

Case in point, while talking to MMA Fighting recently, the Polish fighter said this.

“I know that he’s a really great kickboxer, but I’m also good in standup,” Blachowicz said.

“I’m not afraid to fight standup against Dominick. I’ve got really good sparring partners, who are really similar to him.

So I’m not afraid to stand with him, but of course, if I have an opportunity to take him down, I will do this. I think I will find a way to knock him out and I will try it.

“I believe that I’m a better fighter in every part of the game. If something goes wrong in standup, I can take him down.

If he has a problem in standup and takes me down, no problem, I have jiu-jitsu. I’ve got great jiu-jitsu.

So I’m not afraid of this game. Yes, I believe I’ve got more weapons, and it’s going to be key to win this fight.”

And, while making his call for tonight’s bout, Blachowicz said this.

“I see this fight, I will knock him out in the second or third round,” Blachowicz predicted.

“I believe I can do this. After a really good fight, I knock him out in the second or third round.

That’s what I see in my mind when I do my visualization training.”

Reaction?

On account of Blachowicz’s abilities and recent run, in which he’s bombed out Luke Rockhold and Corey Anderson, it’s not surprising to hear him predicting a KO win. But, is he a bigger threat on the feet?

Given Reyes’ height, power and athleticism? It’s an interesting question.

The record of the 30-year-old Reyes certainly isn’t short on finishes either.

Most observers would almost certainly agree that Blachowicz is more dangerous on the ground. After all, the 37-year-old is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while Reyes is listed as a blue belt.

But, can Blachowicz take Reyes down and keep him there?

We’re likely going to get answers to these questions in several hours time.