Jan Blachowicz would like 'respect from everybody' after beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 259

LAS VEGAS – Jan Blachowicz wants his proper due after handing Israel Adesanya his first loss at UFC 259.

Blachowicz (28-8 MMA, 11-5 UFC) was counted out by many going into Saturday’s main event with middleweight champion Adesanya (20-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC). He came out triumphant, though, and earned a unanimous decision to defend his light heavyweight title for the first time at the UFC Apex.

The Polish fighter has won three consecutive main events – including two title fights – as the betting underdog. The 38-year-old wonders if that’s finally enough for the masses to appreciate his talent.

“I defended my belt,” Blachowicz told reporters, including MMA Junkie, post-fight at UFC 259. “Now I prove that I’m a true champion and I think now I’m going to have respect from everybody. In the next fight, I will not be the underdog anymore. But I don’t care anyway.”

Blachowicz had a tactical strategy against Adesanya. He exchanged on the feet for the first three rounds, but in the fourth and fifth, his grappling came into play. Timely takedowns put Blachowicz ahead on the cards for the clear-cut win, and afterward he reflected on his work over 25 minutes.

“I tried to knock him out in the second round, but he is a great fighter, a good fighter,” Blachowicz said. “I should’ve started wrestling a little bit earlier. But he did his distance very well, so I could not catch him. He kicked really hard. I should’ve put a little bit more pressure on him.”

With his title reign off to a strong start, there’s little secret what’s next for Blachowicz. Glover Teixeira, who has won his past five fights, was the backup for UFC 259, and UFC president Dana White said after the event that the Brazilian is on deck.

Blachowicz agrees that’s the right direction for the division and said he’ll be ready for Teixeira after going home to enjoy the fruits of the sacrifices made to win his latest fight.

“(I want a) short break,” Blachowicz said. “I want to spend some time with my family. I am a father. My child was just born and I don’t spend any time with him because I have to prepare for my fight. Glover Teixeira, he’s going to be my next opponent.”