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Jan Błachowicz

Jan Błachowicz is a Polish professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jan Błachowicz is a Polish professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and a former KSW Light Heavyweight Champion. Błachowicz has competed professionally since 2007.

Early life and background

Jan Maciej Błachowicz was born on 24 February 1983 in Cieszyn, Poland. He is a Polish mixed martial artist who also has experience in grappling and Muay Thai.

Mixed martial arts career

Błachowicz began his professional MMA career in 2007 and competed in KSW before joining the UFC in 2014. His career has included victories over a range of opponents across Europe and in the UFC.

Championships and achievements

He held the KSW light heavyweight title before winning the UFC light heavyweight championship in 2020. He is widely noted as the first male Polish UFC champion.

Fighting style and record

Błachowicz fights in the light heavyweight division and is listed as an orthodox stance fighter with a 78-inch reach. UFC materials note a mix of knockout and submission victories, indicating a well-rounded style.

Key facts

  • Błachowicz turned professional in MMA in 2007.
  • He won the UFC light heavyweight title in September 2020 and held it until October 2021.
  • He was the first male Polish UFC champion and the second Polish fighter overall to win a UFC title after Joanna Jędrzejczyk.
  • Before UFC, he was a KSW light heavyweight champion.
  • His listed UFC record includes wins by knockout and submission, reflecting success in both striking and grappling.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jan Błachowicz?
He is a Polish professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
When was Jan Błachowicz born?
He was born on 24 February 1983.
What is Jan Błachowicz known for?
He is known for winning the UFC light heavyweight title and for being a former KSW light heavyweight champion.
When did he begin his professional MMA career?
He turned professional in MMA in 2007.
What weight class does he compete in?
He competes in the UFC light heavyweight division.
Is Jan Błachowicz the first Polish UFC champion?
He is the first male Polish UFC champion, but the second Polish fighter overall to win a UFC title after Joanna Jędrzejczyk.

References

  1. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/athlete/jan-blachowicz
    Supports: Professional debut, finishing statistics, and championship history.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_B%C5%82achowicz
    Supports: Birth date/place, nationality, career timeline, UFC and KSW titles.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2506250/jan-blachowicz
    Supports: Weight class, height, reach, stance, team, and basic fighter profile.
  4. UFC Stats — http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/99df7d0a2a08a8a8
    Supports: Record, physical stats, stance, and career statistics.