Jan Blachowicz is fully embracing the social media traction that came with his tongue-in-cheek response to Jon Jones suggesting that he would be the next challenger to his throne.

Replying to Jones, the former KSW champion claimed that he couldn’t wait to “fist” the controversial champion, setting off a huge reaction throughout the online MMA community.

So, it's a date. Can't wait to fist you. https://t.co/HhwCFKPa9X — Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) April 18, 2020

Blachowicz insisted that he was happy with the online traction given how much attention it got, with even Jones getting in on the conversation.

“This was on purpose, this is why I do this,” Blachowicz told MMA Fighting’s Eurobash podcast. “I know how to use my fist, but only to punch people. It’s not what they’re thinking, you know. I think it’s good that everyone spoke about this. Right now, it’s done a really good job. And Jon Jones started this conversation first, I just answered.”

The Polish knockout artist - who is coming off three stellar wins over Luke Rockhold, Ronaldo Souza and Corey Anderson - saw the funny side of the situation and again underlined how important it was that the general public were discussing a future bout with him and Jones.

“It was a good reaction, no? I enjoyed it - it was funny. It was a funny reaction and it was a big reaction, but most importantly people are talking about this. My English, I’m still learning. I’m still learning how to use my words. People want to hear what I have to say in the correct way, so I think every time it’s going to be a little bit better,” he said.

While Jones labelled Blachowicz as “strange” on the back of the post, the highly ranked light heavyweight refused to trade barbs with the champion.

“I don’t care what he do outside of the Octagon. I just know that he is a really good sportsman - one of the best in the world - and I just want to beat him inside of the Octagon. That’s it, I don’t care about anything he does. I’m a private person.”

Although he has yet to hear anything from the UFC about making the bout official, Blachowicz remains hopeful that the contest will get over the line.

“I hope so, it’s very close. We’ll see, but now it’s only on Twitter. We’ll see what’s going to be next. I can’t wait for Bruce Buffer to call my name as the challenger, but it is good that Jon Jones has started to say my name. I am ready for him and I think that maybe he’s afraid a little bit. I’ll meet him in the Octagon - I promise you that.”

Check out Jan Blachowicz’s latest appearance on Eurobash. It begins at 41:30.