Blachowicz eyes 'unfinished business' with Ankalaev after UFC London

Jan Blachowicz has his sights set on a rematch with newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev.

Blachowicz, who's scheduled to face Carlos Ulberg in the UFC London co-main event Saturday, said he wants to run it back with Ankalaev should he emerge victorious.

"I've got unfinished business with Ankalaev," Blachowicz said in a UFC-produced interview. "But of course, I've got a job to do this Saturday and I focus about this. But I believe I'm gonna be a winner this Saturday, so maybe after that, I believe we have to finish what we started with Ankalaev."

Blachowicz and Ankalaev fought to a split draw in a vacant 205-pound title fight at UFC 282 in December 2022.

Ankalaev, who's unbeaten in the Octagon since then, dethroned Alex Pereira at UFC 313 earlier in March to become the new champion. The UFC hasn't scheduled Ankalaev's first title defense yet, though the Dagestani said he's willing to give Pereira an immediate rematch.

Blachowicz has fought just once since his bout against Ankalaev, dropping a split decision to Pereira at UFC 291 in July 2023. Multiple shoulder surgeries have sidelined him since then.

Blachowicz, a 42-year-old former champion from Poland, is seeking his first victory since May 2022 against Ulberg, the No. 6-ranked light heavyweight. Ulberg, 34, is a rising contender at 205 pounds and has won seven in a row.

Blachowicz said he sees himself knocking Ulberg out in the third round to potentially set up a second date with Ankalaev.

"He's got a big win streak, so I just think about how to stop him," Blachowicz said of Ulberg. "It's time to stop him. I believe I'm gonna be the one who stops his seven wins in a row."