10 Europeans to Watch in 2011

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Jan Blachowicz (12-2)

Prior to his ACL tear in 2008, Blachowicz was on quite a streak having submitted well-regarded European talents Christian M'Pumbu and Maro Perak. Remarkably, he seems to have taken his skills up another notch after reconstructive knee surgery in 2010. While the likes of Julio Brutus, Wojciech Orlowski and Nikolai Onikienko weren't on his level, the 27-year-old Silesian proved he hadn't lost a step in a comprehensive beating of Spain's Daniel Tabera in October. Blachowicz is a good Thai boxer, but his career has been marked by his slick submission game. He has serviceable wrestling -- often an uncommon trait in European prospects -- but is yet to be tested by a tough American wrestler. Such a test is a priority for 2011, as Polish promotion KSW is in pursuit of solid UFC veterans to test Blachowicz and put some notable names on his résumé.

Continue Reading » Next Prospect: Guram Gugenishvili