“Special protection for Pereira!” Puzzled by Dana White’s decision, Jan Blachowicz goes on NSFW rant over light heavyweight title shot

Jan Blachowicz believes light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira was getting special protection from the UFC.

“Special protection for Pereira!” Puzzled by Dana White’s decision, Jan Blachowicz goes on NSFW rant over light heavyweight title shot

Jan Blachowicz questions UFC's decision with Alex Pereira's latest matchup (Image via Imago)

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 Brazilian’s former opponent, Jan Blachowicz made his comments on the situation. 

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 don’t know, you tell me because I am confused. What the f**k, you know? Why did they book Ankalaev with Rakic, why? Why don’t they ask me about this?... I just don’t understand. Like I said on the internet, I feel like it’s special protection for Pereira.
Jan Blachowicz on the Middle Easy YouTube channel
YouTube video

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 Rakić instead of making him Pereira’s opponent, the Polish light-heavyweight asked?

FS Video

Blachowicz even tweeted that while he respects Rountree, some higher-ranked contenders deserve the title shot more. Ankalaev is a highly skilled wrestler and ‘Poatan’s 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.

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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, Pereira’s striking turned the tide in the later rounds.

Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira at UFC 291
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 don’t want to make this fight again because they know that this time, he’s going to lose for 100 percent.”
Jan Blachowicz on the Middle Easy YouTube channel

Despite Blachowicz’s criticism of the matchup, he predicted a second-round KO victory for ‘Poatan’ against Rountree. In the aftermath of the fight, Blachowicz could be a likely opponent for Poatan if he doesn’t fight Ankalaev right away.

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