Report: Reyes-Blachowicz in the works for UFC 253
A light heavyweight bout between top contenders Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz is being targeted for UFC 253 on Sept. 26, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
The fight is reportedly almost a done deal, but the UFC is determining its stakes. The promotion is currently working with light heavyweight champion Jon Jones to figure out what's next for him.
Jones, who was involved in a public spat with UFC president Dana White over a financial dispute earlier in 2020, hinted at a move to heavyweight this past weekend. It's possible Reyes-Blachowicz could be for the vacant or interim 205-pound belt.
Reyes fought Jones for the title at UFC 247 in February. Many scored the contest for the challenger, but he ultimately fell short for the first time in his career via unanimous decision. Reyes had won 12 straight fights as a professional, including a first-round knockout of former middleweight champion Chris Weidman last October.
Blachowicz is riding a three-fight winning streak, most recently knocking out Corey Anderson in the first round of the UFC Rio Rancho main event in February. Some considered that a No. 1 contender bout, and Blachowicz called out Jones after the win. The 37-year-old has earned other notable victories over Luke Rockhold, Ronaldo Souza, and Jared Cannonier.
A middleweight title fight between champion Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa will headline UFC 253. A location for the event hasn't been announced.