Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira Prediction: Changing Weight Doesn't Make Difference

On the night of July 30, a huge UFC 291 event will take place in the United States, featuring former featherweight champion Jan Blachowicz and former middleweight champ Alex Pereira. The bout will be part of the welterweight division. Pereira is making his debut at this weight, and Blachowicz is ranked third (only Jamal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev are ranked higher).

The 40-year-old Pole Jan Blachowicz discovered himself late, which is not often the case. He failed his first professional fight in 2007 but made the maximum out of his career, becoming the champion of KSW and UFC.

He debuted in the strongest league in 2014, and it did not go according to plan right away either - in the first six fights, he suffered four losses. But then he changed his training and started destroying the opponents, reaching the very title. During this period, he beat Jared Cannonier, Nikita Krylov (by submission), Luke Rockhold (KO), and other tough guys. In the second round of the bout, fight Dominick Reyes. Then he defended his belt against Israel Adesanya, who gained weight for that.

However, his last three bouts were not the best, so the skeptics began to talk about his career ending. In 2021 another veteran, Glover Teixeira, choked Blachowicz, then he won by injury against Alexander Rakic. Finally, he got the draw with Magomed Ankalaev, which, in our opinion, was more of a defeat.

Jan is known for his physical strength; he is a great grappler. He throws fists powerfully from a distance, never gives up, and has a terrific experience.

Pereira came to MMA from kickboxing, where he was a top star, Glory champion, and the man who defeated Adesanya twice. After four MMA fights in the local leagues, Alex got invited to the UFC, and a little later, it became clear why.

After three wins, he was paired again with Adesanya, and this title bout ended with a resounding upset - Pereira won by TKO and became the champion.

In his next fight, he lost Adesanya and gave up the title. Then on the insistent request of Dana White, Alex moved to a higher category because he had too much trouble with the weight class. He's a big enough guy for the middleweight.

Alex is making his welterweight debut against Jan Blachowicz. He is training with the help of Glover Teixeira, who knows Blachowicz very well because he fought and beat him once.

The close confrontation will continue exactly until the fight moves to the parterre. Blachowicz will do his best to drag his opponent down onto the floor. Then it's a matter of technique; the skills here are incommensurably different. Pereira has a chance in the standings, and Blachowicz understands that.