Jan Blachowicz Greeted by Throng in Poland After Winning UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Wejście smoka @JanBlachowiczZaskoczył wszystkich #LegendaryPolishPower pic.twitter.com/LJGH37tWBq

— TVP SPORT (@sport_tvppl) September 28, 2020

Jan Blachowicz is a hero in his home country of Poland after claiming the vacant light heavyweight crown with a victory against Dominick Reyes at UFC 253.

Polish network TVP Sport captured Blachowicz’s arrival at the airport on Monday, where he was welcomed by a throng of fans and media. The 37-year-old Cieszyn, Poland, native became the UFC’s 13th light heavyweight champion by stopping Reyes via TKO at the 4:36 mark of Round 2 in Saturday’s co-main event on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Fani @JanBlachowicz czekają na powitanie mistrza @ufc #LegendaryPolishPower pic.twitter.com/hHdZ0GMrj3

— TVP SPORT (@sport_tvppl) September 28, 2020

Blachowicz, who has won eight of his last nine UFC appearances after beginning his promotional tenure with a 2-4 mark, called out Jon Jones following his latest victory. However, Jones is expected to move to heavyweight after vacating the 205-pound title earlier this year.

Instead, Blachowicz will likely face the winner of the Nov. 7 showdown between former title challengers Thiago Santos and Glover Teixeira.

“Those are the guys that are fighting for the next shot,” UFC president Dana White said of Santos and Teixeira at the UFC 253 post-fight press conference. “But obviously if Jon Jones wanted that fight, we wouldn’t deny Jon Jones the opportunity.”