Former light heavyweight champion and No. 1 contender Jan Blachowicz steps into the Octagon as the underdog at SI Sportsbook (+155) against an extremely dangerous opponent in Alexsandar Rakiu0107. The third-ranked contender did not earn his ranking or his heavy favorite status (-188) without reason. He is 3-1 in his last four fights, with convincing decisions over division veterans Anthony Smith and Volkan Oezdemir.
Blachowicz, a grizzled veteran and one of the unlikeliest and most underrated champions in UFC history, is hoping that a finish or overwhelming decision against Rackiu0107 will secure him the next title shot.