SHARE

Polish fighter Jan Blachowicz promises an improved version of himself on Saturday night, when he faces Corey Anderson at UFC 191, which takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

No. 12 ranked Light-Heavyweight Blachowicz (18-4) has made a name for himself on the MMA scene for his tough natured style and his willingness to fight any opponent placed in front of him.

The 32-year-old was originally scheduled to face former title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’  Johnson; who now fights Jimi Manuwa, however a late switch up placed him against Anderson instead.

Blachowicz told MMA PLUS that he in fact found out about his opponent change for UFC 191 over email.

“I received an email with this message [about the opponent change],” said Blachowicz. “I was a little disappointed but the fact that the fight was on, was the most important for me. I also got a quite similar opponent, fighting in a similar style, so I did not have to look for different sparring partners.

“No matter who I am fighting with, the most important [thing] is to win in a great style.”

Anderson (5-1), The Ultimate Fighter 19 winner, has fought twice in the UFC since he defeated Matt Van Buren to claim the TUF trophy. He bested Justin Jones over three rounds before being finished by Gian Villante this past April.

Despite Anderson’s success on the reality show, Blachowicz believes his experience will be the determining factor when they face off.

“Anderson is one of the UFC fighters and there are no weak guys in here. I was training as hard as for ‘Rumble’. Of course I have bigger experience which will help me to win this fight.”

“I’m definitely not anxious before the fight. With every bout I am smarter, more experienced, so everything is fine. I am 100% focused on the fight. There are no distractions now.”

The Polish fighter stated he was happy to fight for the second time in 2015, after his loss to Jimi Manuwa back at UFC Fight Night: Gonzaga vs. Cro Cop 2 in April. He also added that his personal aspirations are to fight anywhere between two and four times a year, and the new UFC and Reebok sponsorship deal has not affected that goal.

Blachowicz also showed his support for the USADA and UFC’s decision for a tighter and more regimented drug testing policy. However stated his confusion over the impending ban over IV use; something that some fighters have spoke up against in the media.

“For me, the most important [thing] is that every fighter is clean.” Blachowicz claimed: “The only thing I do not understand is the IV ban.”

The Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu clarified any rumours that he had moved camps to Berkut Arrachion Olsztyn to train with UFC Women’s Strawweight title holder Joanna Jędrzejczyk, but asserted her dominance as champion.

“She is and she will definitely be the UFC Champion for a long time. That is actually the first time I heard such rumors. I’m not changing my club. I will train in Ankos MMA Zapasy Poznan and that will not change.”

As for Saturday night in Las Vegas, despite the change in foe, the Polish MMA champion predicted that UFC 191 will mark a new era for himself as he looks to surge in the UFC Light-Heavyweight division.

“The most important is my next fight so I am 100% focused on that. However, my dreams are a lot higher. Of course, they are totally different fighters, so the preparations would be different, but it is up to the coaches to decide what game play I should have. However, no matter what will happens and what obstacles I will encounter, I will be a UFC Champion.”

“I was reborn after my last fight so stay tuned to watch the legendary Polish power come back.”

Interview conducted by Bruno Massami.