Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic Targeted for March UFC Event

The UFC is looking to book former champion Jan Blachowicz against #3 ranked light-heavyweight Aleksandar Rakic. The bout is expected to headline an event on March 26. News of the potential showdown in March was first reported by Ariel Helwani.

“I Will Not Quit”

Jan Blachowicz (28-9, 11-6 UFC) became the UFC light-heavyweight champion at UFC 253. He defeated Dominick Reyes for the title after the previous champion Jon Jones vacated in a still-ongoing attempt to move up to heavyweight. 

In his first defense, he defeated current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, handing him his first career loss. At UFC 267, Blachowicz was defeated by challenger Glover Teixeira by submission in the second round. Blachowicz made no excuses for his loss. “I will come back here for sure. I need to rest for sure, think a little bit, and for sure I will come back. I’m not a quitter. I’m not a coward, I will not quit. You’re gonna see me in the Octagon again,” Blachowicz said during the UFC 267 post-fight press conference.

Aleksandar Rakic (14-2, 6-1 UFC) is looking to secure a title shot with a win over the former champion. Since debuting with the UFC in 2017, Rakic has only tasted defeat once, a split decision loss to Volkan Oezdemir at UFC on ESPN+ 23. Since then, Rakic has knocked off top contenders Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos. 

No official announcement has been made by the UFC regarding the bout or location. The March 26 event does not currently have an announced venue or location. The card is subject to change. 

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