Blachowicz TKOs Reyes to win UFC light heavyweight title

Jan Blachowicz is the new UFC light heavyweight champion.

Blachowicz beat Dominick Reyes via TKO at 4:36 of the second round in the UFC 253 co-main event to capture the vacant belt Saturday night at Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Blachowicz becomes the first person other than Jon Jones or Daniel Cormier to hold the 205-pound belt since 2011.

The finish came when Blachowicz landed a solid left hand that put Reyes on wobbly legs. The underdog swarmed Reyes, who collapsed to the mat, and unloaded with ground-and-pound until he forced the referee to intervene.

Blachowicz started the contest on the right foot, as he stayed busier than Reyes in the early minutes. The 37-year-old had success with his body kick and tagged Reyes a few times before ending with his jab.

The Polish fighter called out Jones - a former longtime champion planning to move up to the heavyweight division - after the bout.

"Jon Jones, where are you?" Blachowicz said in his postfight interview. "Don't be a quitter. I'm here. This is how we do it in Poland. I'm waiting for you."

Blachowicz is riding a four-fight winning streak, including this victory. Reyes, who challenged Jones for the belt in February, has lost two straight bouts after starting his MMA career with 12 consecutive wins.