Alex Pereira was recently set up with Khalil Rountree Jr. instead of Magomed Ankalaev. This move had angered many in the MMA community as Ankalaev was the deserving contender for the title shot and a potent risk for the light heavyweight champion. The Brazilianโs former opponent, Jan Blachowicz made his comments on the situation.ย
Jan Blachowicz recently sat down for a conversation on the Middle Easy YouTube channel. The light heavyweight was frustrated and believed the UFC was protecting Alex Pereira by booking him against Khalil Rountree instead of Magomed Ankalaev. He also questioned why nobody offered him a rematch instead of going straight past the other higher-ranked contenders.
No f***ing idea, I donโt know, you tell me because I am confused. What the f**k, you know? Why did they book Ankalaev with Rakic, why? Why donโt they ask me about this?… I just donโt understand. Like I said on the internet, I feel like itโs special protection for Pereira.
Jan Blachowicz on the Middle Easy YouTube channel
Alex Pereira defeated Blachowicz by split decision at UFC 291. Now, Blachowicz implied that Pereira was being given easier opponents to maintain his status as a top contender in the promotion. Otherwise, why would the UFC choose to book Ankalaev against Aleksandar Rakiฤ instead of making him Pereiraโs opponent, the Polish light-heavyweight asked?
Jan Blachowicz is NOT happy with the Rountree vs Pereira booking ๐ณ
“No f***ing ideaโฆ what the f***. Why they book Ankalaev with Rakic? Why they don’t ask me about this?โฆ
I feel like [there is] special protection for Pereiraโฆ maybe [the UFC] doesn’t want to make [ourโฆ pic.twitter.com/R6ixV5XlH9
โ Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 20, 2024
Blachowicz even tweeted that while he respects Rountree, some higher-ranked contenders deserve the title shot more. Ankalaev is a highly skilled wrestler and โPoatanโs lack of potent grappling skills despite a BJJ black belt had many assuming that the UFC was intentionally avoiding matchups that could lead to the defeat of its current biggest star.
Jan Blachowicz talks about rematch with Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira had made his light heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291. It was a highly competitive bout. Blachowicz dominated early with grappling and also attempted a rear-naked choke. However, Pereiraโs striking turned the tide in the later rounds.
Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira at UFC 291 (Image via Forbes.com)Since the split decision loss to Pereira at UFC 291, Blachowicz has not stepped into the octagon yet. He had a double shoulder surgery which has kept him out of action. However, the Polish believe that a rematch would result in him walking out as the victor with the light heavyweight title.
I believe that I won this fight against him, and maybe they donโt want to make this fight again because they know that this time, heโs going to lose for 100 percent.โ
Jan Blachowicz on the Middle Easy YouTube channel
Despite Blachowiczโs criticism of the matchup, he predicted a second-round KO victory for โPoatanโ against Rountree. In the aftermath of the fight, Blachowicz could be a likely opponent for Poatan if he doesnโt fight Ankalaev right away.
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