Blachowicz tops Pokrajac in spirited brawl

The decision may have gone to Jan Blachowicz, but his guns-a-blazing battle with Igor Pokrajac had no real loser.

Blachowicz's wrestling was the difference in the three-round light heavyweight fight that provided some thrilling exchanges through the first two rounds:

Making his return to the Octagon after being cut over a year ago, Pokrajac fought like a man making up for lost time. He waded in fearlessly to trade punches with Blachowicz, who didn't shy away from the challenge.

Blachowicz wisely mixed in takedown attempts during the fight, but it was Pokrajac who ended up in top position to close out the first round. That was simply a precursor to the second frame, which saw the fighters go to war.

Bolstered by a crowd that was filled with friends and family from Zagreb, an emboldened Pokrajac motioned for Blachowicz to bring it on even as he ate punch after punch. Pokrajac stayed on his feet and returned fire, prompting Blachowicz to shoot in for a much-needed takedown.

Another shot sealed the deal for Blachowicz as he managed to maintain top control for the majority of the third round and take the decision.

Blachowicz won for the first time since knocking out Ilir Latifi in October 2014. His UFC record stands at an even 2-2.

Pokrajac is now winless in his last six UFC fights, but his exciting performance may earn him another opportunity.