Jan Blachowicz and Magmoed Ankalaev meet for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 282 after former champion Jiri Prochazka had to pull out.

Prochazka was slated to make the first defence of his light heavyweight belt in a rematch against Glover Teixeira in the main event, having earned a fifth-round submission victory over the Brazilian to claim the strap at UFC 275.

However, the Czech announced he wouldn't be able to fight and subsequently vacated the title on 23rd November due to shoulder surgery that will require at least six months of rehabilitation.

Teixeira rejected the chance to face either Ankalaev or Blachowicz at such short notice, so he has also lost his place on the card at T-Mobile Arena.

Blachowicz is looking to reclaim the light heavyweight championship after losing it to Teixeira at UFC 267 but he's since bounced back to beat Aleksandar Rakic.

The Pole, who is 2/1 to win in Las Vegas, is ranked #2 and has only lost one of his last seven trips to the Octagon.

Ankalaev, priced at 2/5 to earn victory, is #3 in the division after winning nine in a row after losing to Paul Craig on his debut in the UFC.

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Earlier on the card, Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett is involved in the co-main event when he takes on Jared Gordon at lightweight.

Pimblett is 1/2 to make it four wins from four since signing for the UFC and Gordon can be backed at 17/10 to come out on top.

Darren Till, also from Liverpool, makes his highly-anticipated return to action against the exciting Dricus du Plessis at middleweight.

Till, who hasn't fought since September 2021, is 11/10 to bounce back to winning ways after defeats to Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker, while Du Plessis, priced at 8/11, has caught the eye when sealing three successive victories since joining the UFC.

What: Jan Blachowicz vs Magomed Ankalaev 
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA 
When: 23:00, Saturday 10th December 2022
How to watch: BT Sport
Odds: Jan Blachowicz 2/1, Magomed Ankalaev 2/5

When is UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

UFC 272 is set to take place on Saturday 10th December.

What time is UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

The preliminary card starts at 23:00 and the main card gets underway at 01:00 with Blachowicz and Ankalaev expected to walk to the Octagon at around 04:00.

Where is UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas plays host to UFC 282.

Can I watch UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

Yes, the preliminary card and main card are both set to be broadcast on BT Sport.

Who is the favourite at UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

Ankalaev is the 2/5 favourite to claim the light heavyweight title after winning nine in a row, although this will be his first attempt to secure a UFC belt. Blachowicz is 2/1 to come out on top and he is a former champion.

Are there any belts on the line at UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

Yes, the vacant light heavyweight belt is on the line in the main event.

What is Jan Blachowicz's record?

38 fights, 29 wins (9 KOs), 9 defeats

What is Magomed Ankalaev's record?

19 fights, 18 wins (10 KOs), 1 defeat

Who is on the undercard at UFC 282: Blachowicz vs Ankalaev?

Main card:

Paddy Pimblett vs Jared Gordon

Robbie Lawler vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Darren Till vs Dricus du Plessis

Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria

Preliminary card:

Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Chris Daukaus

Raul Rosas Jr. vs Jay Perrin

Edmen Shahbazyan vs Dalcha Lungiambula

Chris Curtis vs Joaquin Buckley

Early preliminary card

Billy Quarantillo vs Alexander Hernandez

T.J. Brown vs Erik Silva

Vinicius Salvador vs Daniel da Silva

Ronnie Lawrence vs Cameron Saaiman