UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Blachowicz preview and pick

The winner of the Jon Jones vs. Dominic Reyes fight won’t have much time to revel in victory, as a worthy challenger will be made their mandatory opponent. Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz have history, and this Feb. 15 rematch comes with title implications. Who has what it takes to be next in line for a world title?

Anderson is riding a four-fight win streak

It has been a long time since Anderson battered Blachowicz at UFC 191, and both have done their part to remain relevant.

Anderson is on a four-fight win streak, with his vicious TKO win over Johnny Walker the highlight of his recent run. Blachowicz has won his last two fights against displaced middleweights, after he was stopped by Thiago Santos a year ago.

Anderson is a superior grappler

Nothing has changed with regards to strategy. Anderson is the busier striker and superior grappler, who had no problems taking the fight to Blachowicz in their first contest. Following the Walker win, Anderson’s confidence is peaking and a familiar foe on the back nine of his career will not give him pause.

Blachowicz is a sharpshooter, but he takes too much time to get going and doesn’t deliver with authority. His most recent knockout against Luke Rockhold was his first in six years, and that came against a smaller opponent. He landed on Ronaldo Souza when he decided to let his hands go, but he failed to do any damage and had to settle for a dusty decision.

Blachowicz must get Anderson off balance

Blachowicz needs to play the role of a neutralizer, with the hope his accurate strikes slow Anderson down. Anderson has remained the better fighter since their first fight and won’t have trouble closing the distance on a timid opponent. Unless Blachowicz can get Anderson off balance and score a shock submission, he’s going to be in for a long night.

Anderson is peaking, and Blachowicz is not what he used to be. From a stylistic standpoint, Anderson is facing an older fighter, who can’t let his hands go and won’t hurt him if he does. Expect Anderson to pick up where he left off five years ago. He'll leave Blachowicz a broken mess within two rounds.

MMA free pick: Anderson (-230)

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