UFC 253: Jan Blachowicz the new UFC light-heavyweight champion after knocking out Dominick Reyes in Abu Dhabi

Giant Pole secures his first UFC title in devastating style

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - SEPTEMBER 27: Jan Blachowicz of Poland celebrates after defeating Dominick Reyes in their light heavyweight championship bout during UFC 253 inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on September 27, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

Jan Blachowicz is the new UFC light-heavyweight champion after seeing off Dominick Reyes in devastating fashion at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning.

The giant Pole secured his first UFC title by knocking out Reyes in the second round at Flash Forum.

Blachowicz, who moves to 27-8 in his pro career, becomes the first light-heavyweight champion other than Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier since 2011. Jones vacated the crown last month to move up to heavyweight.

Blachowicz: “This is nothing new for me. I'm 37 years old, a lot of fights, it's just fun. Soon I'm going to be a father, this is something what I'm afraid of the most. But I'm also really happy.

"Jon Jones, where are you? Don’t be a quitter. I’m waiting for you."

UFC 253 is the first of five events at “Return to Fight Island”, the UFC’s second residency in Abu Dhabi.