Former light heavyweight champion criticizes UFC for “protecting” Alex Pereira when booking a title fight

The news did not sit well with several other fighters at the top of the 205lb division. The one who was most upset, Ankalaev, actually took the news relatively well. Former champion Jamahal Hill, on the other hand, was not happy and was confused as to how “War Horse” was rewarded with a title shot.

Jan Blachowicz criticizes the UFC for “protecting” Alex Pereira with a surprise booking

Former king of the division Jan Blachowicz has subtly promoted a rematch against “Poatan,” however, it was never likely that the company would organize such a fight considering he has not fought since his split decision loss.

Nevertheless, the 41-year-old has made his opinion very clear regarding Pereira's fight booking, criticizing the UFC for “protecting” the Brazilian champion by giving him another cheap fight.

“No fucking idea (why they decided to do this fight), tell me because I'm confused, what the hell, you know. Why did they book Magomed Ankalaev with (Aleksandar) Rakic, why? Why don't they ask me (about the Pereira fight), maybe I would be ready a little earlier, nobody asked me. I feel like it's special protection for Pereira,” Blachowicz said in an interview with Middle Easy.

“I think I won my fight against him and maybe they don't want to do that fight again because they know he's 100% going to lose this time. Maybe that's why they don't want to let him have Ankalaev because Ankalaev is also very strong… Maybe they want to give him another nice win,” he continued.

Błachowicz was undoubtedly Pereira's toughest test in the 205-pound class, as he was the only opponent who actually attempted to wrestle the Brazilian striker.

Jan Blachowicz wants to fight against Jiri Prochazka in December

The Polish fighter was scheduled to face Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​at UFC 297 earlier this year, but was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury that subsequently required surgery.

The 41-year-old made it clear that he wants to return to action in December and announced that he had only spoken to the UFC a few weeks ago.

“A week or two ago (I spoke to the UFC). I just said I would be ready in December and I also heard that Pereira said after the Prochazka fight that his next fight would also be in December. Now they are scheduling his fight a little earlier,” Blachowicz said.

Sitting fourth in the division, Blachowicz has some new matchups coming up at the top of the division and he highlighted two names he would like to face next.

“For me it makes sense to fight either him (Jamahal Hill) or Jiri Prochazka. We'll see. I think Jiri is in a difficult situation right now, so I hope he comes back and we have this fight, because it will be a very good and exciting fight. So if not Pereira, I would like to fight Prochazka,” said Blachowicz.

Jiri Prochazka was recently in attendance at UFC 305 and following the event, the former champion hinted online that he had booked a fight and would update his fans in the next few days.

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