UFC Fight Night 167: Corey Anderson vs Jan Blachowicz, Preview, Fight Card, Live Stream, How to Watch

Here’s how to watch to watch the UFC fight tonight. Live stream UFC Fight Night 167 with Corey Anderson taking on Jan Blachowicz

The light heavyweight division is a little cluttered at the moment behind champion Jon Jones. Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz are trying to prove they belong at the top of it and might just deserve a shot at the belt themselves. But for one of them, that will become more of a reality at UFC Fight Night 167. You can stream the UFC fight tonight live on ESPN+.

Anderson is on a four-fight winning streak, earning perhaps his biggest win over fellow light heavyweight Glover Teixeira in a decision back in UFC Fight Night 134 in 2018. A win over the highly-ranked Blachowicz could have Anderson

Blachowicz will be looking for a little revenge after losing via decision to Anderson back at UFC 191 in 2015. Blachowicz is also fresh off a knockout loss to Thiago Santos back at UFC Fight Night 145 that dropped him back down the division. However, a big win over the capable Anderson could put him right back in the thick of things.

This will be an intriguing fight that will put the more wrestling-forward Anderson against a big striker in Blachowicz. It will be interesting to see if Anderson can out-pace Blachowicz and take him down at will to control the fight like last time. Or if Blachowicz can fight off takedown attempts and land some big shots to end the fight early.

You’ll only be able to watch UFC Fight Night 167 and other UFC events live on ESPN+, so sign up now!

How to watch UFC Fight Night 167:

Who: Corey Anderson (13-4) vs. Jan Blachowicz (25-8)

When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 5:00 p.m. ET

Where: Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho, NM

UFC stream:

UFC live stream: Watch the UFC fight tonight on ESPN+.

Main Card (8 p.m. ET)

  • Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz – Light Heavyweight
  • Diego Sanchez vs. Michel Pereira – Welterweight
  • Montana De La Rosa vs. Mara Romero Borella – Women’s Flyweight
  • Brok Weaver vs. Kazula Vargas – Lightweight
  • Rogerio Bontorin vs. Ray Borg – Flyweight
  • Lando Vannata vs. Yancy Medeiros – Lightweight

Prelims (5 p.m. ET)

  • Tim Means vs. Daniel Rodriguez – Welterweight
  • John Dodson vs. Nathaniel Wood – Bantamweight
  • Jim Miller vs. Scott Holtzman – Lightweight
  • Devin Clark vs. Dequan Townsend – Light Heavyweight
  • Casey Kenney vs. Merab Dvalishvili – Bantamweight
  • Macy Chiasson vs. Shanna Young – Women’s Bantamweight
  • Mark De La Rosa vs. Raulian Paiva – Flyweight

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UFC on ESPN+ 25: Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz odds, picks and betting lines for UFC on ESPN+ 25

Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz square off in a light heavyweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 25 – also called UFC Fight Night 167 – at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. Saturday evening.

Anderson (14-4-0) will be facing Blachowicz for the second time in his career, and he is hopeful the result is the same as it was back at UFC 191 on Sept. 5, 2015 when Anderson came away with a unanimous decision victory in three rounds. He heads into this one with a head of steam, winning four in a row, including a brisk 2:07 KO/TKO against one of my favorite named UFC fighters, Johnny Walker, who was blue after his loss. Since his last loss to Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 217, the 30-year-old Anderson has rolled up wins over Patrick Cummins, Glover Teixeira, Ilir Latifi and Walker, putting him in position to get a championship shot if he isn’t derailed in this one.

Blachowicz (25-8-0) has waited nearly five years for another crack at Anderson, and he’ll get it in sandy New Mexico. The Berkut WCA Fight Team fighter is 36 years old, and it’s now or never if he wants a shot at the strap in his class. His UFC career got off to a hot start with a win over Latifi back on Oct. 4, 2014, but he proceeded to lose four of his next five bouts, including to Anderson. After a setback to Cummins at UFC 210, it’s been mostly smooth sailing, winning six of the past seven, including a split-decision win over Jacare Souza last time out in a five-round main event victory on Nov. 16. That bout proved he still has the goods to compete with anyone in this class.


Want to bet on Fight Night 167? New customer offer: Risk free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!


Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz betting odds

Per BetMGM, Anderson (-228) is a rather moderate favorite over Blachowicz (+165) in this rematch. Anderson holds a slight height and reach advantage over Blachowicz, both by one inch, but his real advantage is in striking and takedown ability. Anderson has 4.45 significant strikes landed per minute to just 3.44 SIG STR LPM for Blachowicz, while the latter does hold a slight advantage in Significant Strike Accuracy percentage at 49.05-46.37. However, Anderson is also much better at getting people to the ground, posting a 4.98 takedown average to just 1.18 for the Pole.

Roll with Anderson (-228) to win on the 2-way line, and perhaps pair it with another fight or two in a parlay for less risk. Some suggestions for a parlay might be Ray Borg (-154) over Rogerio Bontorin (+115), and if you’re a little more risky, pair Anderson with slight underdog Lando Vannata (-106) against Yancy Medeiros (-125), or put Anderson, Borg and Vannata in a nice three-fighter parlay for an even better payday. I plan on playing this ticket during my stay at the MGM Grand in Vegas this weekend.

New to sports betting? A $10 3-fighter parlay on Anderson (-228), Borg (-154) and Vannata (-106) would have a potential payout (inc stake) of $46.33 at +363.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Anderson-Blachowicz odds: Corey Anderson favored over Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night 167

Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz tangle in a light heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night 167

UFC Fight Night 167 on ESPN+ is highlighted by Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz in a light heavyweight battle.

Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET, the main card for Fight Night 167, which has six cards scheduled, goes down at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Prelims are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Anderson vs. Blachowicz odds

Anderson (14-4-0) enters as the sound favorite over Blachowicz (25-8-0), with BetMGM Sportsbook putting Anderson’s odds at -223. Blachowicz, the underdog, is at +175.

New to sports betting? Odds at -223 implies Anderson has a 69.04% chance of winning the fight. A $100 wager on Anderson to win outright profits just $44.84 with a victory. On the flip side, a $100 wager on Blachowicz to win profits $175 if he pulls off an upset.

The favored odds have the fight not going a full five rounds (-139), too, with even money on it going the duration.

Anderson winning on points (+162) has the shortest odds on a round-by-round view, with +2500 for a fifth-round victory being the longest of odds. Anderson, per BetMGM, is +162 to win by decision/technical decision, while odds on Blachowicz are +525.


Want to bet on Fight Night 167? New customer offer: Risk free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!


How/Where can I watch Fight Night 167?

Anderson vs. Blachowicz, along with the rest of Fight Night 167, will be streaming on ESPN+. Sign up for ESPN+ now.

Get some action on this MMA bout by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

UFC on ESPN+ 25 predictions: Who stays in title contention – Corey Anderson or Jan Blachowicz?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the UFC on ESPN+ 25 main card in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Anderson
vs.
Blachowicz
Pereira
vs.
Sanchez
Borella
vs.
De La Rosa
Vargas
vs.
Weaver
Bontorin
vs.
Borg
Medeiros
vs.
Vannata
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
2020: 13-7
anderson2020
Anderson
(57%)
pereira2020
Pereira
(58%)
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
(83%)
weaver2020
Weaver
(71%)
borg2020-1
Borg
(61%)
medeiros2020
Medeiros
(62%)
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
2020: 17-3
trophy copy 2017 Champion
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Simon Head
@simonhead
2020: 16-4
trophy copy 2019 Champion*
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
John Morgan
@MMAjunkieJohn
2020: 16-4
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
2020: 16-4
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohnMMA
2020: 16-4
trophy copy 2014 Champion
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Danny Segura
@dannyseguratv
2020: 16-4
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
2020: 15-5
trophy copy 2018 Champion
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Nolan King
@mma_kings
2020: 15-5
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
vannata2020
Vannata
Dan Tom
@DanTomMMA
2020: 15-5
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
2020: 15-5
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
2020: 14-6
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Dave Doyle
@davedoylemma
2020: 14-6
blachowicz2020
Blachowicz
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
vannata2020
Vannata
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
2020: 12-8
blachowicz2020
Blachowicz
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Matt Erickson
@MMAjunkieMatt
2020: 11-9
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
vargas2020
Vargas
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros

The UFC is in New Mexico this week for the first time in more than five years with a pair of light heavyweight contenders topping the bill.

UFC on ESPN+ 25 takes place Saturday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M., near Albuquerque. The event streams on ESPN+.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

In the main event, [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] (13-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) takes on [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a fight that will see the winner stay in the light heavyweight title picture for a possible meeting with champion Jon Jones. Anderson is more than a 2-1 favorite from the oddsmakers, and he has a big 12-2 lead in the picks from our 14 MMA Junkie editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers.

In the co-main event, [autotag]Michel Pereira[/autotag] (23-10 MMA, 1-1 UFC) takes on longtime Albuquerque resident [autotag]Diego Sanchez[/autotag] (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) at welterweight. Pereira is the slight favorite, and he’s got a 9-5 edge in the picks.

There’s a unanimous pick on the card, and another that nearly is unanimous. [autotag]Montana De La Rosa[/autotag] (10-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is a -175 favorite over [autotag]Mara Romero Borella[/autotag] (12-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in their women’s flyweight fight. But despite fairly close betting odds, De La Rosa, whose husband Mark De La Rosa fights on the prelims, is a 14-0 pick from our staff.

Also on the main card, [autotag]Brok Weaver[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) nearly is a unanimous pick in his lightweight fight against [autotag]Kazula Vargas[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC). Only one of our pickers is taking Vargas in an upset – Weaver nearly is a 3-1 favorite.

[autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) takes on [autotag]Rogerio Bontorin[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in a flyweight fight that was moved up to the main card from the prelims mid-week. The fight is one of our two most contentious ones with Borg at a 9-5 lead.

And to open the main card, [autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) takes on [autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] (10-4-2 MMA, 2-4-2 UFC) in a lightweight fight that is a near pick’em at the sportsbooks. But it’s Medeiros who has a whopping 12-2 lead in the picks with only two staff members taking Vannata.

In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Anderson (57 percent), Pereira (58 percent), De La Rosa (83 percent), Weaver (71 percent), Borg (61 percent) and Medeiros (62 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

5 burning questions heading into UFC on ESPN+ 25

MMA Junkie senior editor Dave Doyle walks you through all the biggest issues heading into the UFC’s New Mexico return.

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With Jon Jones’ narrow victory over Dominick Reyes last weekend at UFC 247 — which came seven months after his narrow victory over Thiago Santos at UFC 239 — the UFC’s light heavyweight division is suddenly more interesting than it has been for quite some time.

No longer simply a matter of Jones lording over a cast of over-the-hills and also-rans, 205 pounds is a land of intrigue. And the increased interest from UFC 247’s result carries over into this weekend’s UFC on ESPN+ 25.

[autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] meets [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] in a light heavyweight showdown Saturday night in the main event of the UFC’s return to New Mexico. It’s a rematch of a bout won by Anderson  (13-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) in 2015, but so much has changed in the meantime that this may as well be an all-new matchup.

And while many fans continue to clamor for an immediate rematch between Jones and Reyes in the wake of Jones’ highly controversial decision win in Houston, the victor on Saturday night will have a real claim for a title shot, too.

UFC on ESPN+ 25 takes place Saturday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. The event streams on ESPN+.

Without further ado, then, here are five burning questions heading into UFC on ESPN+ 25.

Can Corey Anderson seal the deal?

Corey Anderson

Heading into UFC 247, Jones let slip that the UFC approached him with both Reyes and Anderson as potential opponents, and given the choice, Jones picked Reyes. Jones said he saw Reyes as a more interesting style matchup than Anderson.

That shows both how far Anderson has progressed, but also how much of his old image still lingers. The “TUF 19″ winner was perceived as a play-it-safe wrestler, and one who went through a 1-3 stretch at one point, to boot.

His current four-fight win streak, all over solid names, has been good enough to get him onto the short list for a title shot. But not even an exciting TKO of Johnny Walker at Madison Square Garden last time out was enough to vault him into a No. 1 contender spot.

Should he put in a similar performance against a competitor who enjoys a good brawl in Blachowicz, though, then Anderson might snag that elusive title matchup once and for all.

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MMA Junkie Radio #3026: Reaction to Nate Diaz, B.J. Penn news; UFC on ESPN+ 25 preview

Hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” react to the latest MMA news and notes, and look ahead to UFC on ESPN+ 25 this weekend.

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Thursday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here!

On Episode No. 3,026 of the podcast, the guys react to the latest MMA news and notes, as well as look ahead to UFC on ESPN+ 25 this weekend in Rio Rancho, N.M.

THE RUNDOWN

  • [autotag]Nate Diaz[/autotag] got caught up in a bizarre news story when the Miami Herald falsely reported that he was arrested in Miami, and now he’s considering legal action for defamation of his name, according to his publicist. Would suing the newspaper be a bad look for Diaz given his “BMF” persona?
  • UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]B.J. Penn[/autotag] unfortunately was back in the news for wrong reasons after getting into a car accident, which has led Hawaii police to investigate him for a possible DUI. It’s the latest in a string of bad things that have happened with Penn. Is this finally the wake-up call?
  • UFC heavyweight [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] revealed that he has a “life or death” medical condition, though he wouldn’t specify what it is. Will he reconsider his fighting career moving forward?
  • Bellator has moved all-in on the champ-champ narrative after booking welterweight champion [autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] against [autotag]Gegard Mousasi[/autotag] for the now vacant middleweight title. That fight joins a May card that also includes champ-champ [autotag]Ryan Bader[/autotag] defending his light heavyweight title in San Jose. Is this the right move for the promotion?
  • ONE Championship announced that it will soon launch its ONE Infinity Series. Will this make much of a difference for the promotion in the U.S.?
  • Ex-UFC fighter [autotag]Justin Willis[/autotag] is headed to PFL. Is the the favorite at heavyweight for the 2020 season?
  • The UFC recently cut a lot of fighters, including Juan Adams, Brad Katona and Ben Saunders. We react.
  • The stakes would seem to be high at UFC on ESPN+ 25, where [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] and [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] face off in a pivotal light heavyweight headliner. Will the winner secure a title shot over a potential rematch for Dominick Reyes against Jon Jones?
  • Matt McGovern, the founder of World Fighting Championships, joined the show to talk about his promotion and what’s on tap for 2020, which could include up to 30 shows.

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio, or check it out above. You can also catch it on Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

Jan Blachowicz plans to earn title shot at UFC on ESPN+ 25: ‘I know how to beat Jon Jones’

Jan Blachowicz doesn’t think Corey Anderson respects him going into their potential title eliminator at UFC on ESPN+ 25.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] believes he is fighting for a title shot at UFC on ESPN+ 25, and he is confident in his ability to dethrone [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] of the light heavyweight belt.

Blachowicz (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) is set to rematch Corey Anderson (13-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) in Saturday’s main event. It’s a crucial fight for the 205-pound division, especially coming off Jones’ (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) hotly contested title defense against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 this past weekend.

Although the UFC hasn’t said it with certainty, there’s a good chance the matchup between Blachowicz and Anderson could produce the next title challenger. Blachowicz said he expects to be that guy and said he has the recipe to unseat “Bones.”

“I think that I know how to beat Jon Jones,” Blachowicz told MMA Junkie at UFC on ESPN+ 25 media day on Thursday. “I will find a way to beat him and I will be this guy to take the title from him.”

Blachowicz said he watched the match between Jones and Reyes with a keen eye. He felt Jones was the rightful winner in the midst of all the decision controversy, and now it’s on his end to prove he deserves the shot with a big performance of his own.

Blachowicz said UFC on ESPN+ 25, which takes place at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M., and streams on ESPN+, is an important career moment. Not only can he state his case for the belt, but he can also avenge a key career loss.

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Anderson defeated Blachowicz by unanimous decision at UFC 191 in September 2015. The wrestling of the American got the better of the Polish fighter that night, but Blachowicz said he’s come a long way since. He doesn’t so much point to tactics for that loss, either, and said it was mainly a problem of imperfect travel.

“I don’t have jet lag (this time),” Blachowicz said. “My body is good because in our first fight, after two minutes of the fight I was completely exhausted, but I was able to go until the end of the fight, so it’s also some kind of substance for me. But now I’m good. I came to Rio Rancho more than two weeks ago, no jet lag. But this time it’s going to be a completely different fight. But I think Corey is going to do the exact same. He’s going to try to use his boxing to take me down and control me from the top.”

Blachowicz said there’s not much of a personal element to the fight with Anderson, but his competitive side is excited to avenge a loss. He doesn’t think his opponent is giving him the proper credit because of how the first fight went, and Blachowicz said he intends on showing Anderson how much he’s improved over the past four-and-a-half years.

“I think he doesn’t have respect for me,” Blachowicz said. “He beat me in an easy way in our first fight, but after this fight he changed opinion about me. I’ll try to teach him respect in the fight. … The best way for me would be to knock him out, then I will be next for the title shot.”

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UFC Rio Rancho breakdown: Tracking the evolution of Corey Anderson, Jan Blachowicz

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the UFC on ESPN+ 25 headlining rematch between Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz.

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MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the UFC’s top bouts. Today, we look at the main event for UFC on ESPN+ 25.

UFC on ESPN+ 25 takes place Saturday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. The event streams on ESPN+.

Corey Anderson (13-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC)

Corey Anderson

Staple info:

  • Height: 6’3″ Age: 30 Weight: 205 lbs. Reach: 79″
  • Last fight: TKO win over Johnny Walker (Nov. 2, 2019)
  • Camp: Nick Catone MMA (New Jersey)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ “The Ultimate Fighter” season 19 winner
+ Regional MMA title
+ 2x All-American wrestler
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt
+ 5 KO victories
+ 4 first-round finishes
+ Consistent pace and pressure
^ High-volume approach
+ Improved boxing ability
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Strong inside the clinch
+ Solid strike-to-takedown transitions
^ Favors level-changing doubles
+ Excellent top game
^ Improved pressure and controls
+ Active ground striker

Jan Blachowicz (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC)

Jan Blachowicz

Staple info:

  • Height: 6’2″ Age: 36 Weight: 205 lbs. Reach: 78″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Ronaldo Souza (Nov. 16, 2019)
  • Camp: WCA Fight Team (Poland)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/muay Thai
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ KSW light heavyweight title
+ Muay Thai accolades
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ 6 knockout victories
+ 9 submission wins
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Excellent jab
+ Dangerous uppercuts and hooks
+ Will switch stances
^ Favors liver kicks from southpaw
+ Strikes well off the breaks
+ Improved wrestling ability
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Solid transitional grappler
^ Submission savvy from top or bottom
+ 2-0 in rematches

Point of interest: Striking the second time around

The main event in New Mexico features a light heavyweight rematch with quiet stakes attached.

In the first meeting between [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] and [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag], we were privy to some brief but spirited striking exchanges before grappling and endurance became the theme of the fight.

Since then, both men have grown as strikers by sharpening similar tools; that said, they play off of the theme of pressure in different ways.

Stepping onto the UFC scene as a persistent, pressuring stalker who can come forward in combination from either stance, Blachowicz has steadily developed into a deceptively effective counter striker who shows that he doesn’t mind sitting back and being patient when posed with a come-forward threat.

In the heat of combat, the Pole packs a mean uppercut-hook return that he keeps on a hair-trigger, something he was able to show against both Jared Cannonier and Jimi Manuwa. Blachowicz also employs a stiff and serviceable jab that he quietly uses to string together his offense, as well as help support his defense.

As far as kicking goes, Blachowicz loves to sprinkle in crushing liver kicks off of shifts to the southpaw stance and doesn’t have any problems letting head kicks fly off the break. Still, I suspect that the 36-year-old fighter may shelf a large part of his patented body or leg kicks if he means to stay upright against Anderson.

A fighter who is steadily figuring out how to stoke his own fire, Anderson brings a suffocating pressure that is palpable through many facets of his game.

Finding a balance between sticking and moving, Anderson achieves his desired cooking temperatures through a high-output approach of striking volume and transitional takedown threats. Using this rinse-wash-and-repeat method, Anderson will steadily tenderize his opposition without letting off the gas.

Even though Anderson’s striking volume has won him many rounds in the octagon, his transition game is what ultimately glues everything together. Similarly to his stablemate, Frankie Edgar, Anderson mixes in volume and variety to keep his opposition behind the 8-ball.

However, despite Anderson displaying much meaner offensive wherewithal to go along with better head movement and overall boxing technique, he still opens himself up to undesirable traffic due to the nature of the numbers he puts up. For this reason, striking stanzas between the two should stay potent for as long as they last.

Next point of interest: Return to the mat?

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Jan Blachowicz media day interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Jan Blachowicz media day interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Jan Blachowicz media day interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25 pre-event facts: Husband and wife share a card for the first time

The best stats and figures about UFC on ESPN+ 25, which features a Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz rematch in the main event.

The UFC visits New Mexico for the second time in company history on Saturday with UFC on ESPN+ 25, which takes place at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho and streams entirely on ESPN+.

A rematch between light heavyweight contenders takes center stage in the main event. [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) will attempt to continue his winning streak with a second victory over [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who will attempt to avenge his unanimous-decision loss from UFC 191 in September 2015.

For more on the numbers behind the headliner, as well as the rest of the 13-fight card, check below for 55 pre-event facts about UFC on ESPN+ 25.

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Main event

Corey Anderson

Anderson’s four-fight UFC winning streak at light heavyweight is tied with Jon Jones for the longest active streak in the division.

Anderson is one of 12 fighters in UFC history with 10 or more light heavyweight wins.

Anderson’s 10 victories since 2014 in UFC light heavyweight competition are tied with Ovince Saint Preux for most in the division.

Anderson’s 61-second knockout of Matt Van Buren at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale stands as the fastest finish in a “TUF” tournament final.

Anderson’s 53 takedowns landed in UFC light heavyweight competition are most in divisional history.

Anderson lands 50 percent of his takedown attempts in UFC light-heavyweight competition, the third-highest rate in divisional history behind Lyoto Machida (65 percent) and Blachowicz (52 percent).

Anderson lands 4.98 takedowns per 15 minutes of fighting in UFC light heavyweight competition, the highest rate in divisional history.

Anderson’s 12 takedowns landed against Patrick Cummins at UFC Fight Night 128 are the single-fight record for a UFC light-heavyweight bout.

Anderson’s 12 takedowns landed vs. Cummins at UFC Fight Night 128 are tied for the fifth most in a single UFC fight.

Jan Blachowicz

Blachowicz competes in his third UFC headliner. He’s 1-1 in previous main events.

Blachowicz is 6-1 in his past seven UFC appearances dating back to October 2017. The only defeat in that stretch came to Thiago Santos.

Blachowicz is one of two light heavyweights in UFC history to earn a knockout stemming from a body kick. He accomplished the feat at UFC Fight Night 53.

Blachowicz lands 52 percent of his takedown attempts in UFC light-heavyweight competition, the second highest rate in divisional history behind Machida (65 percent).

Co-main event

Diego Sanchez

[autotag]Diego Sanchez[/autotag] (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC), 38, is the oldest of the 26 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

Sanchez competes in his 31st UFC bout, tied for the fourth most appearances in company history behind Donald Cerrone (34), Jim Miller (33) and Jeremy Stephens (32).

Sanchez is the only active UFC fighter who was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 1.”

Sanchez is one of two fighters in UFC history to compete in four different weight classes. Kenny Florian also accomplished the feat.

Sanchez is one of nine fighters in UFC history to earn victories in three different weight classes.

Sanchez is 2-2 since he returned to the UFC welterweight division in November 2017. He’s 11-6 at 170 pounds under the UFC banner.

Sanchez’s 12 victories by decision in UFC competition are tied with Georges St-Pierre for most in company history.

Sanchez has fought to a decision 20 times in UFC competition, the most in company history.

Sanchez has absorbed 1,342 total head strikes in his UFC career, the second-most in company history behind B.J. Penn (1,434).

Remaining main card

Montana De La Rosa

[autotag]Montana De La Rosa[/autotag]’s (10-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC) three stoppage victories in UFC women’s flyweight competition are tied with Valentina Shevchenko for second most in divisional history behind Gillian Robertson (four).

De La Rosa’s three submission victories in UFC women’s flyweight competition are tied with Robertson for most in divisional history.

[autotag]Rogerio Bontorin[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has earned 14 of his 16 career victories by stoppage.

[autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) returns to the flyweight division for the first time since October 2017. He’s 5-3 in the weight class under the UFC banner.

Lando Vannata

[autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] (10-4-2 MMA, 2-4-2 UFC) is 1-3-2 in his past six UFC appearances.

Vannata’s two draws in men’s UFC competition are tied with Ken Shamrock, B.J. Penn and Caol Uno for most in company history.

[autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) was unsuccessful in his return to the UFC lightweight division at UFC on ESPN+ 1 in January 2019. He’s 3-5 (with one no contest) in the weight class overall.

Medeiros’ average fight time of 6:58 in UFC lightweight competition is third shortest among active fighters in the weight class behind Charles Oliveira (4:51) and Drew Dober (6:41).

Medeiros vs. Alex Oliveira at UFC 218 is the only fight in UFC history to feature two knockdowns for each fighter.

Preliminary card

Tim Means

[autotag]Tim Means[/autotag] (29-11-1 MMA, 11-8 UFC) is 9-6 (with one no contest) since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in May 2014.

[autotag]John Dodson[/autotag] (20-11 MMA, 9-6 UFC) returns to competition for the first time since Feb. 23, 2019. The 357-day layoff is the longest of his 15-year career.

Dodson enters the event on the first losing skid of his career. He’s 1-3 in his past four bouts and hasn’t earned a victory since March 2018.

Dodson is 3-4 since he returned to the UFC bantamweight division in April 2016. He’s 4-4 in the weight class overall.

Dodson has fought to three split decision results in UFC bantamweight competition, tied for second most in divisional history behind Kyung Ho Kang (four).

[autotag]Nathaniel Wood[/autotag] (16-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has earned 14 of his 16 career victories by stoppage. That includes all three of his UFC wins.

Wood’s three submission victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Urijah Faber (six) and Rani Yahya (five).

Wood’s three-fight submission streak in UFC competition is tied with Claudio Silva for the longest among active fighters on the roster.

Jim Miller

[autotag]Jim Miller[/autotag] (31-13 MMA, 20-12 UFC) competes in his 34th UFC bout, tied with Cerrone for the most appearances in company history.

Miller competes in his 33rd UFC lightweight bout, the most in divisional history.

Miller’s total fight time of 5:06:47 in UFC lightweight competition is most in divisional history.

Miller’s 20 victories in UFC competition are tied with Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping for third most in company history behind Cerrone (23) and Demian Maia (22).

Miller’s 19 victories in UFC lightweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Miller’s 12 stoppage victories in UFC lightweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Joe Lauzon (13).

Miller’s nine submission victories in UFC lightweight competition are most in divisional history.

Miller’s 42 submission attempts in UFC competition are the most in company history.

[autotag]Devin Clark[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) has alternated wins and losses over his past six UFC appearances. He was defeated in his most recent bout at UFC on ESPN+ 19 in October.

Clark has earned all of his UFC victories by decision. He’s suffered all of his career losses by stoppage.

[autotag]Dequan Townsend[/autotag] (21-9 MMA, 0-1 UFC) becomes the first fighter to make two UFC appearances in 2020. He suffered a defeat at UFC on ESPN+ 24 on Jan. 25.

Merab Dvalishvili

[autotag]Merab Dvalishvili[/autotag]’s (9-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) 11 takedowns landed at UFC Fight Night 123 are tied for the single-fight UFC/WEC bantamweight record.

Dvalishvili’s 11 takedowns landed at UFC Fight Night 123 are tied for the single-fight UFC record for most in a loss.

Dvalishvili outlanded Terrion Ware by 183 total strikes at UFC Fight Night 136, the biggest differential in a single UFC/WEC bantamweight bout.

[autotag]Mark De La Rosa[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC), along with his wife Montana, become the first spouses in UFC history to compete on the same card.

[autotag]Raulian Paiva[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC), 24, is the youngest of the 26 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.