The saying “age is just a number” often pops up when discussing older athletes, and at 43, Jan Blachowicz aims to show that this is true. As one of the oldest fighters still competing in the UFC, Blachowicz has no plans to step away just yet, insisting that his journey in the octagon is far from finished.
Blachowicz famously handed Israel Adesanya his first defeat in the UFC and went toe-to-toe with Alex Pereira in a closely contested split decision. Although he hasn’t claimed victory in his last four fights—drawing with Magomed Ankalaev and losing to Carlos Ulberg and Bogdan Guskov—he believes the Ulberg match was one he should have won.
Instead of focusing on disappointments, Blachowicz is ready to step up to any challenge. Although initially set to fight Guskov on August 1 at UFC Belgrade, he now faces unbeaten prospect Navajo Stirling.
In the back of his mind, he still dreams of climbing back to the light heavyweight title. “I want to remind the world about my legendary Polish Power,” stated Blachowicz. “I know I didn’t win my last four fights, but I felt I won against Pereira and Ulberg. I still have what it takes.”
Blachowicz’s competitive drive remains strong. After renewing his UFC contract, he expressed how much he loves fighting, which keeps him motivated. “I feel good. I still have that fire inside me. I don’t go to training because I have to; I go because I want to,” he explained. “As long as I enjoy training and fighting, I’ll keep going.”
A FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Throughout his career, Blachowicz has maintained a calm and focused mindset. Rather than aiming for future title shots, he’s concentrating on getting back to winning. “Right now my focus is on my next fight,” he said. “It’s been four years since my last win, so I really need this one.”
He acknowledged that at 43, preparing for high-level fights isn’t as easy as it once was. “Training has changed. I need to listen to my body more. I spend a lot of time on recovery, whether it’s physiotherapy, massages, or just getting good sleep. I focus on training smartly and using my experience,” he added.
FAMILY AS A MOTIVATION
Outside the ring, family is Blachowicz’s biggest inspiration. One of his proudest moments is watching his six-year-old son begin his journey in combat sports. The little one is already taking judo classes, and while Blachowicz hopes he follows in his footsteps, there’s no pressure. “He enjoys it and is doing it because he wants to,” said Blachowicz.
He believes that with a strong interest in sports, his son may one day be a champion himself. “He’s only six and already very strong and fast. I hope he uses it in the future,” he commented.
Blachowicz, along with Joanna Jędrzejczyk, has played a significant role in putting Polish MMA on the worldwide stage. He hopes the next wave of fighters can carry on that legacy. “There are many strong fighters in Polish MMA. I hope some of them will become champions one day, just like Joanna and I did,” he stated.
For now, Blachowicz isn’t rushing to plan his career’s next steps. He knows he can’t control whether another title shot comes his way, but he aims to make the most of every opportunity he gets. “If there’s a chance for a title fight in the future, great. If not, that’s okay too,” he said. “What matters most to me is enjoying my fights and winning.”
