Jan Blachowicz revealed that the UFC first offered him a fight against Magomed Ankalaev, but he was uncertain about making weight. After a couple of hours he confirmed a different bout — against Guskov, without any catchweight — only to learn that deal was already done, leaving him now waiting for a new opponent.
Jan Blachowicz has revealed a behind-the-scenes sequence of events that left the veteran light heavyweight still without a confirmed next opponent, after an offer to face Magomed Ankalaev fell through before a separate deal also collapsed.
The 43-year-old Polish contender, ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, disclosed that the UFC initially approached him about fighting Ankalaev. Blachowicz expressed uncertainty over his ability to make the 205-pound limit for that matchup, which gave him pause. He ultimately passed on the Ankalaev offer, then confirmed a different bout against Guskov — notably at full light heavyweight, with no catchweight agreed — only to be told that deal was already done and no longer available. He is now waiting to learn who his next opponent will be. Blachowicz carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and a 78-inch reach, and has long been one of the division's most recognized names, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy across his career.
Ankalaev, the man Blachowicz initially declined, sits at number one in the light heavyweight rankings and is also ranked fifth pound-for-pound. The 34-year-old Russian holds a record of 21-2-1 and represents one of the division's most dangerous challengers, landing 3.65 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. At six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, Ankalaev is an imposing presence for anyone in the weight class.
Why it matters
- Blachowicz's weight concerns around the Ankalaev bout highlight the challenges facing older fighters maintaining elite divisional competition.
- Ankalaev remains in contention near the top of the light heavyweight ladder, and any opponent confirmed against him carries significant ranking implications.
- Blachowicz, currently ranked fifth, needs a high-profile booking to maintain his positioning, and the collapse of two separate arrangements leaves his immediate future unclear.
