<
>

UFC's Jimi Manuwa: I have unfinished business with Jan Blachowicz

Jimi Manuwa scored a one-punch knockout over Corey Anderson on the last London UFC card. Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Jimi Manuwa admits he's got a "pretty hard task" trying to stop upcoming opponent Jan Blachowicz in their rematch, but insists it's still possible after recent improvements.

The pair meet at London's O2 Arena on March 17 in a light-heavyweight rematch after an initial clash in April 2015 went Manuwa's way.

It's the only victory on the Brit's record which hasn't come by way of knockout, with all 16 other wins ending before the scheduled distance.

"That is exactly that," Manuwa exclusively told ESPN when asked if this fight is all about unfinished business with Blachowicz. "He's a tough opponent. Very hard to finish. He's only been finished once in his career over 10 years ago so I've got a pretty hard task ahead of me trying to finish him.

"I know I can beat him but I need to finish him. I don't want another decision win."

After their previous fight, Manuwa revealed he was suffering with injury having torn his MCL and ACL during pre-fight training.

But despite the knee problems, he's adamant that wasn't the reason why he didn't manage to claim another knockout victory.

"I don't think the injury affected me -- not as far as I think anyway," Manuwa said. "I think it was more his fighting style which is what made the fight frustrating for me.

"He was going backwards all the time he didn't want to engage so I found myself chasing him all the time. I think that will be the case this time but I think this time he will go for a lot more take downs.

"He will still be fighting backwards but my footwork has improved a lot and I plan on cutting the cage off and trapping him in the corner."

The 38-year-old also doesn't plan that much longer in the sport after his bout with Blachowicz.

"I've got two years left in the sport, maybe," he added. "I just want big fights ahead of me now."