Jiri Prochazka relinquished the light heavyweight title after suffering a career-threatening shoulder injury, giving Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev a chance to fight for the vacant light heavyweight title.
These two were gearing up for a three-round relationship, but both stepped up to the challenge and fought back and forth for 5 rounds. Jan Blachowicz He started the fight strong and started working behind devastating leg kicks. They paid dividends and Magomed’s legs nearly gave up in the 3rd round.
Magomed recovered late and used offensive wrestling to change the momentum on his side. While many thought Ankalaev had done enough to win, the scorecards told a different story. The fight was run as a split draw, which greatly angered Ankalaev.
talking to Joe Rogan In a post-fight interview he said: “I don’t know what to say, I won that battle, why didn’t I get my belt? I do not know what to say.” Interrupted by his rival as Jan said, “Give the belt to Ankalaev.” Jan’s move impressed everyone in the arena and it raised some important questions about the umpires’ competence.
Magomed Ankalaev unsure of his future in the UFC
Ankalaev was running high with a streak of 9 wins. This was his chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a UFC champion, and the judges feel like he stole his dream. Blachowicz severely injured his legs, but Ankalaev overtook his opponent in the last 2 rounds, dominating his opponent.
Ankalaev was asked about his future and he replied that he did not want to fight for himself. UFC if he can’t deal with this judgmental situation. said “I always do what I have to do to fit in. If I’m losing a stand-up, I’m going to grapple… but I don’t know if I’ll fight for this organization again because I honestly don’t know what just happened.
Also read – Will Darren Till retire from MMA after an injury-filled career and a loss at UFC 282?
Rogan told Ankalaev that the UFC won’t be able to pick the jury and he’s calmed down a bit, but nothing can be said about his future for now. But in an interesting twist, president Dana White announced that Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill will now be vying for the vacant light heavyweight title. UFC 283.
This remains an unfortunate result for both Ankalaev and Blachowicz, but it will be interesting to see how the light heavyweight division evolves over the next 6 months. Prochazka was expected to recover from his injury at the time and promised an immediate championship chance against whoever was holding the belt at the time.
Also read Paddy Pimblett’s caption “How much are you paying me” mocking Ariel Helwani in his octagonal interview after winning UFC 282.
