Israel Adesanya thinks Alex Pereira’s power will be too much for Jan Blachowicz.
Pereira (7-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) makes his light heavyweight debut against Blachowicz (29-9-1 MMA, 12-6-1 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 291 co-main event at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
UFC middleweight champion Adesanya’s only two career losses came to Blachowicz and Pereira. Blachowicz took Adesanya down three times, and “The Stylebender” sees him trying to do the same to Pereira.
“For me, stylistically, it’s an exciting matchup,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “These are two guys that I fought, two guys that have both beat me. It’s interesting to see how that matchup will play into each other. Also, there’s different elements, as well – the grappling element, and Jan might just try and do that early on and take away his power, his chances of striking, and wear him down. I think in a three-round fight, I think it’ll be on the feet. Jan’s definitely going to try to take him down. He’s not stupid.”
Pereira knocked out Adesanya to dethrone him at UFC 281. The pair rematched at UFC 287, and Adesanya landed a knockout of his own to win the title back. Adesanya sees different approaches from both Pereira and Blachowicz in the fight.
“I think Alex will start fast – not crazy fast, but just put that pressure on straight away, make Jan feel his presence,” Adesanya said. “It’s what he likes to do. He likes to try and come in and own the space. The leg kick – he’s going to throw that leg kick because it’s hard to read.
“Jan’s going to take his time, patience, get as much reads as he can. But if Jan does what I think he’s going to do, he’s going to get caught with a left hook. … I don’t think this goes the distance. If it does, Jan wins.”
“Poatan” was able to stun Adesanya in both fights, and though Blachowicz is known for his “legendary Polish power,” Adesanya gives Pereira the advantage in that department, too. Adesanya also appears to have changed his tune from his original prediction when the matchup was first announced.
“I think Alex hits harder,” Adesanya said. “It’s the way he throws, the technique he throws with, the technique – he grounds himself. He’s not running. He’s not moving and throwing. He sits when he gets you where he wants you, especially against the fence. He’ll sit there and throw. That’s how he’s able to hit harder. Jan can definitely learn how to hit harder, but hey, if Jan gets him down, I think he’s just going to control him there for three rounds. Official pick: I’m going to go Alex by knockout.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.
