Significant Stats | UFC 282: Błachowicz vs Ankalaev

Key Stats: 6 knockdowns (tied-4th), 53.3% takedown accuracy (3rd all-time among LHW), 54.4% significant strike defense (8th)

Order UFC 282: Błachowicz vs Ankalaev Today!

What It Means: Most people point toward Błachowicz’s “Legendary Polish Power,” but the former champ is a well-rounded athlete. He has a rock-solid grappling game where he can threaten submissions or maintain control. In the clinch, he digs strikes to the body well and is dangerous off the break. His power isn’t just in his hands. He has a good kicking game from range and dedicates attacks to the body frequently. 

Magomed Ankalaev

Key Stats: 54.7% significant strike accuracy (tied-6th all-time among LHW), 86.4% takedown defense (5th all-time among LHW), 2.14 strikes absorbed per minute (2nd)

What It Means: Ankalaev is a technically proficient striker, and he is precise in his attack. He is powerful and accurate and does not try to force a finish. He has a diverse attack, mixing in front kicks and rangy attacks to mute any countering offense from his opponent. If he decides to mix things up and take the fight to the ground, he has good top control and pressure, which helps him wear on his opponents.

MORE ANKALAEV: Top Finishes | Greatest Hits | Athlete Profile

What to Look For in the Fight: A lot of this fight will be determined by the pace and range and who sets those barometers early. Błachowicz has the reach advantage, so he’d be well served striking from range, and if Ankalaev starts to find success, initiating a clinch to slow the fight down a little bit. For Ankalaev, he has a bit of a blueprint from Glover Teixeira’s win over Błachowicz when the Brazilian took the title off him, which involves patient grappling and working to the finish. Ankalaev has a bit more diversity in his attack than Teixeira, so he could overload Błachowicz before shooting in for a takedown. 

Co-Main Event: Paddy Pimblett vs Jared Gordon

*Paddy Pimblett

Key Stats: 4.19 strikes landed per minute, 1.88 takedowns per 15 minutes, 5:20 average fight time

How To Watch UFC 282: Błachowicz vs Ankalaev In Your Country

What It Means: “The Baddy” is an out-and-out fighter. He is a technically varied and unpredictable striker who is particularly dangerous when blitzing forward, but where he really shines is in grappling exchanges. He has incredible dexterity with his limbs that allow him to pull off some sweeps and exhibit control in unconventional positions. 

Jared Gordon

Key Stats: 58.4% significant strike accuracy (3rd all-time among LW), 5.81 strikes landed per minute (8th all-time among LW), +2.17 striking differential (5th all-time among LW)

What It Means: Gordon is a hard-nosed, fundamentally sound fighter who can excel in grimy affairs. He has a well-rounded skill set and breaks up the rhythm of a fight well when he mixes things up, but on the feet he has shown a patient and methodical game. 

Coach Conversation | UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev

What to Look For in the Fight: At times, Gordon is a tough fighter to get a read on early, and Pimblett has shown a habit of starting slowly. If Gordon applies some pressure quickly, he might get himself on the front foot and stay one step ahead. Pimblett might have to initiate a few clinch situations to cause scrambles where he could find a submission. This should be a well-rounded contest.

Other Fights to Watch (Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria, Joaquin Buckley vs Chris Curtis)

Bryce Mitchell

Key Stats: 4 KO/TKO wins (tied-2nd all-time among MW), 1.16 knockdowns average per 15 minutes (3rd), 9:41 average fight time

What It Means: “New Mansa” is the definition of a knockout artist. Although a little undersized, Buckley is explosive, powerful and relentless on the feet. He mostly attacks with his hands, and when he can get inside and land hooks and uppercuts, he often rocks opponents with a flurry. At distance, he has a variety of kicks to the body and legs, and he’ll throw a spinning back kick if he gets his rhythm right. His game has rounded out a bit, and he can win clinch situations and return to the center where he can continue to headhunt.

Chris Curtis

Key Stats: 6 strikes landed per minute, 6.39 strikes absorbed per minute, 10:36 average fight time

What It Means: Curtis is an experienced, veteran fighter whose style fits his moniker of “Action-Man.” He looks to strike and wants to get into bang out-brawls with the confidence in his chin and his own power that he’ll come out on top. Curtis’ right hand, whether off a counter or set up in a combination, is packed with power, although he does have a good kicking game, as well.

What to Look For in the Fight: In every Buckley fight, distance is key. Buckley often has to pick and choose his explosions, which can lead him to getting countered when he bounces into range. Curtis has made a habit of catching his opponent in these moments and off breaks, so Buckley will have to be mindful. That said, Buckley is a creative striker with one-punch power.