UFC Winnipeg saw Poland’s Jan Blachowicz extended his win streak to two.
In the featured preliminary bout at UFC on FOX 26 Saturday, light heavyweights Jan Blachowicz and Jared Cannonier each looked to build a modest two fight win streak. Given the shallow nature of the 205lb weight class, where a relatively unknown fighter like Volkan Oezdemir was able to ascend the ranks to a title shot in just a year, a big win at UFC Winnipeg could skyrocket either man in the rankings.
Blachowicz entered the night off a win over Devin Clark in October, while Cannonier entered the fight having finished Nick Roehrick in July.
Poland’s Blachowicz opened the action with a leg kick; both men took a slow, methodical approach early. After an exchange of punches, Blachowicz went to the body with a crisp kick. Cannonier then drove the Polish fighter back into the fence, initiating a Muay Thai clinch. Blachowicz reversed, and was able to free himself. It was Cannonier, however, who pressed the action, but ate a head kick for his troubles near the two minute mark. That was followed up by a pair of punches; Cannonier, however, was able to survive.
In round two, Blachowicz controlled the action using his leg kicks and lead jab, then took the fight to the ground with just over two minutes gone from the round. Cannonier was able to get right back to his feet, however. With under two minutes remaining in the round, a right hand followed with a straight left dropped Cannonier. Blachowicz followed the fallen fighter to the ground, but Cannonier was again able to escape. An eye poke on Cannonier then paused the action.
Back underway, Blachowicz would secure another takedown before round’s end. In the third, he continued to control the action. Cannonier was a little more effective on the feet, but was once again taken down, and controlled from the top by Jan Blachowicz. He would control the fight right to the buzzer.
Jan Blachowicz def. Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
