Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira UFC 291 7/29/2023 Analysis, Game Tips and Picks
The BMF Championship match between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje will be the main event of UFC 291 on July 29. The co-featured game is Blachowicz vs. Pereira, and it probably has title implications. Many think the victor will likely face Ji Procházka, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, for the vacant championship.
Jamahal Hill, the former champion, gave up the crown after rupturing his Achilles.
Jan Blachowicz Fighting Preview
Blachowicz wants to win the championship twice as a previous UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He would be closer to another championship battle with a victory against Pereira, a former UFC middleweight champion.
Jan Blachowicz spoke about his prediction for the UFC 291 matchup against Alex Pereira on Michael Bisping’s “Believe You, Me” podcast before fight night in Salt Lake City.
Jan Blachowicz was keen to land a battle that would put him back in the championship picture after his previous fight, which ended in a majority draw between him and Magomed Ankalaev, left him unhappy. When word of Alex Pereira’s transfer to the light heavyweight category reached Blachowicz, the Brazilian knockout artist immediately struck him as the ideal next opponent to establish his value and restore his position as a top contender.
This duel isn’t the first time Blachowicz has welcomed a champion to the 205-pound division. At UFC 259 in 2021, “Polish Power” prevented Israel Adeysnay from winning both titles, giving him his first MMA defeat.
Blachowicz averages 3.41 significant strikes per minute and has a decent 49% strike accuracy. He is capable of destroying opponents while still standing.
He also exhibits a substantial 68% takedown defense, demonstrating his capacity to resist being knocked to the ground and maintain the fight there, where he is most lethal. Because he averages less than one takedown every 15 minutes and has a low submission rate, Blachowicz’s grappling could be a lot better.
He has the potential to challenge Pereira’s chin and take advantage of any defensive mistakes with good hitting precision and power. Additionally, his excellent takedown defense could stop Pereira’s attempts to go to the ground, forcing him to fight in the standing position, where Blachowicz is more effective.
To seal the victory, Blachowicz should want to establish his striking game early on and take advantage of Pereira’s somewhat higher strike totals absorbed per minute by looking for opportunities to land strong punches. Conversely, Pereira must use his kickboxing training and better hitting ability.
Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira UFC 291 7/29/2023 Analysis, Game Tips and Picks
Alex Pereira Fighting Preview
Glover Teixeira was Alex Pereira’s coach and is known for his stand-up routine. Despite having a solid punch, Teixeira is known for his grappling. Blachowicz believed Pereira had acquired sufficient knowledge to be helpful on the ground.
In the co-main event, “Poatan” will face #3-ranked light heavyweight Jan Blachowicz. The rematch between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier will be the event’s main attraction. Reviewing the most recent odds for Blachowicz vs. Pereira, we provide a prediction below.
Alex Pereira, who has a record of 7 wins and two defeats, may have fought less frequently than Blachowicz, but his striking ability from his Glory kickboxing days is undeniable. With a stunning 5.23 significant strikes per minute and an impressive accuracy of 59%, Pereira offers a persistent and potent striking style that has won him praise in the kickboxing community.
His takedown success rate of 100% is perfect, but his takedown success rate of 0.28 suggests a preference for keeping the battle standing. Like Blachowicz, Pereira has inferior grappling abilities and has yet to win a match by submission in his professional career. The physical characteristics of both competitors are comparable. Pereira has a somewhat higher build at 6’4″ with a reach of 79 inches compared to Blachowicz, who stands at 6’2″ with a reach of 78 inches.
He poses a dangerous threat on the field thanks to his exceptional striking accuracy and high strikes per minute. Pereira should try to use his reach advantage to keep Blachowicz at bay and avoid getting into protracted clinching or grappling exchanges.
Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira. Predictions indicate that both combatants will be keen to demonstrate their striking prowess in a stand-up battle during this fight. Although Pereira’s relentless and powerful hitting might be a real concern, Blachowicz has an advantage due to his expertise and well-rounded style of play.
The victor may depend on their ability to impose their will and control the fight’s tempo. Blachowicz will better win if he successfully avoids drawn-out clinch battles and maintains his space. With Blachowicz’s strength and experience giving him the advantage, Alex Pereira will lose in his 205-pound debut, and the pre4diction is Blachowicz will prevail via KO.
Prediction: Jan Blachowicz by KO
Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
Main Card: 10:00 PM ET
Prelims: 8:00 PM ET
Watch on: ESPN and ESPN+
