In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz detailed not only the severity of his “messy” shoulder surgery, but also his desire to rematch Alex Pereira for UFC gold.
The last time we saw Polish warrior Jan Blachowicz in the octagon was in July 2023, so why has the UFC veteran been sidelined for so long, and when can we see him return to MMA action?
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Jan Blachowicz reveals surgery has revealed a 'very big mess' in his shoulder
Exclusively to Bloody Elbow, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz revealed the extent to which he has suffered from shoulder problems, both before and after complications during surgery.
“A few months ago I had my first operation on my left shoulder, it was supposed to be an easy operation, but when they opened up my shoulder they saw there was a really big mess there – so that was a bit of a tougher operation.
“After three months I should have the same thing on my right side [shoulder]… But now they're both working, I feel power again, I feel the speed – I feel everything I've lost, so I feel good.”
Blachowicz claimed that the problems he was experiencing with his shoulders started about five years ago and had gotten progressively worse, to the point that he even considered quitting the sport due to his diminished “Polish power.”
He added: “I felt like something was happening to my shoulder for a while, and every year it got a lot worse – I lost about 40% strength, was just gone, so I said, 'OK, if I want 'If I do this at a high level, I have to fix this, because if I don't, I'll just retire.'
“That was a very difficult time for me, the recovery time was very difficult; I've had a few surgeries, but that's it [by far] the worst part was that the pain and the way to get healthy were like horror [film] for me.”
Now that he's on the road to recovery, when would Blachowicz like to make his UFC return, and who would he like to fight in his comeback fight?
Jan Blachowicz calls for UFC title rematch against Alex Pereira
We haven't seen Blachowicz in the octagon since dropping a split decision to Alex Pereira in July 2023, with the light heavyweight veteran hoping to return in a few months.
“I would like to fight at the end of the year, but I don't think they will find anything for me – maybe early next year… I'm fine with that; end of the year or beginning of the next.”
When asked if he had an opponent in mind, the 29-10-1 Pole would argue for a rematch with Poatan.
“Sure, Pereira… Pereira, because I believe I won our first fight… You can agree with that or not, I don't care, that's my opinion, many people have seen that the referee made a mistake made in this fight, but now it's just a story…
“Pereira would be great for a comeback but if not then we have Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill – but they have both signed contracts so maybe they will fight together [instead].”
Alex Pereira has endured a devastating four-fight knockout streak since the decisive victory over Blachowicz, but the favored veteran believes he has the knowledge and skills to bring it back.
“As I told you before our fight, he is a very good fighter, but I know how to beat him. I've done it once, so I can do it a second time, but this time I won't leave the referee with any work to do; I will end the fight before time [runs out].
“He is a good opponent but he has a lot of holes and if you know how to fight fighters like him you can beat him – and I know I am someone who knows how to fight Pereira.”
You can watch the full 10-minute interview via the Bloody Elbow YouTube channel.
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