Upcoming Match-ups

After Blachowicz KOs Anderson, Early Odds Open on Potential Jones vs Blachowicz Fight

Cole Shelton

by Cole Shelton in Mixed Martial Arts News

Updated Mar 30, 2021 · 12:52 PM PDT

Dana White Contender Series
UFC president Dana White speaks at a news conference in New York. The first of three straight fight nights at Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island kicks off Saturday, Jan. 16, when Max Holloway fights Calvin Kattar in a 145-pound bout in the main event of the first combat sports card aired on ABC since 2000. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
  • Jan Blachowicz KO’d Corey Anderson in the main event of UFC Rio Rancho
  • Jon Jones said Blachowicz is a worthy next contender
  • Check the odds for their potential fight and our pick for Jones’ next opponent

At UFC Rio Rancho, Jan Blachowicz was taking on Corey Anderson in a potential number one contender bout.

Yet, after Dominick Reyes had a very close fight at UFC 247 against Jon Jones, many thought an immediate rematch would be next unless either Blachowicz or Anderson had a standout performance, which the Pole ended up having.

Now, following Blachowicz’s big win, odds have been released on a potential fight with Jon Jones.

Jon Jones vs. Jan Blachowicz Odds

Fighter Odds
Jon Jones -600
Jan Blachowicz +400

*All odds taken Feb. 17

Jan Blachowicz’s Latest Win

Jan Blachowicz said he was going to knock out Corey Anderson in their fight and he was a completely different fighter than the first time they fought. And, that appeared to be true as he knocked him out in the first round.

To open the fight, Anderson had a game plan of going after Blachowicz’s legs with leg kicks to slow him down and halt the power. But, after a few kicks, the American didn’t cover up his head as he threw a blind leg kick and Blachowicz timed it perfectly with a beautiful punch that dropped Anderson. The Pole then landed one hammerfist and he put Anderson out cold.

To no surprise, after the win, he called out Jon Jones who was sitting front row given the fight was in his home state of New Mexico.

Should Blachowicz get the Next Shot at Jones?

Jan Blachowicz should absolutely get the next shot at Jon Jones.

Many people are calling for an immediate rematch between Jones and Reyes, but Reyes lost the fight by unanimous decision. We don’t usually see challengers get an immediate rematch. Even Alexander Gustafsson — who narrowly beat Jones back at UFC 165 — had to wait five years to get his rematch.

YouTube video

At light heavyweight, the clear number one contender is Blachowicz and Jones even seems interested in the fight. After he called Jones out, he stood on his seat waving his arms around to hype up the crowd. After the event was over he spoke to ESPN and said Blachowicz is a worthy next contender with Blachowicz calling for the fight in the post-match media scrum.

YouTube video

It seems like a logical next fight for both men and a fight that could headline International Fight Week in July.

Will the Odds Change?

I am surprised so see Blachowicz open as this big of an underdog at +400, considering Jones nearly lost his last two fights.

It is hard to tell if Jones is slowing down or if the rest of the division has finally caught up and is figuring him out. And, with Blachowicz’s knockout power, he only needs one punch to shut the lights out, evident by his Luke Rockhold and Corey Anderson knockout wins.

I suspect the odds will hover around this mark until the fight gets made, assuming it does. Once that happens, I think a lot of the sharp bettors will bet on Blachowicz given the value he presents.

At the end of the day, though, the light heavyweight champion is a big fan-favorite and always has the public betting behind him. But, I think he will be around a -350 favorite when fight night rolls around — if this is his next fight.

Author Image