Jan Blachowicz vs. Thiago Santos announced for UFC Prague main event

MMAfighting.com

Thiago Santos’ journey up the light heavyweight ladder will continue in early 2019.

A matchup between Santos and fourth-ranked light heavyweight contender Jan Blachowicz has been scheduled for Feb. 23 as the main event of the UFC’s inaugural visit to Prague, Czech Republic. The promotion announced the booking Friday afternoon.

Santos (20-6) is a perfect 2-0 with stoppage victories over Eryk Anders and Jimi Manuwa since moving up to light heavyweight following an extended run as a top-10 UFC middleweight contender. The 34-year-old Brazilian earned post-fight bonuses for both performances, and his recent UFC 231 victory over Manuwa will likely be on the shortlist for Fight of the Year when 2018’s year-end lists begin to trickle out.

Prior to moving up in weight, “Marreta” racked up a 10-5 record in the UFC’s middleweight division, a run highlighted by victories over Anthony Smith, Elias Theodorou, and Nate Marquardt.

Blachowicz (23-7), meanwhile, has ridden a four-fight win streak into a top-five ranking in the UFC’s 205-pound division. Included in that streak are victories over Manuwa, Jared Cannonier, and a recent second-round submission of Nikita Krylov. Prior to his recent run, the 35-year-old Blachowicz struggled through a 2-4 start to his Octagon career, although he did pick up a first-round knockout over top-10 contender Ilir Latifi during that stretch.

UFC Prague takes place at the O2 Arena and is set to air live on ESPN+.