Blachowicz Says UFC Protected Alex Pereira
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz accused the promotion of giving Alex Pereira “special protection” after the UFC booked Pereira to defend his title against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Blachowicz argued the matchup bypassed a bout with Magomed Ankalaev, who was widely viewed as a leading contender.
The UFC 307 booking
The title fight was announced for October 5 in Salt Lake City after Pereira had already defended his belt against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 and Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. Rountree was ranked outside the division’s top contenders when the bout was made, while Ankalaev had been campaigning for a title opportunity. That context prompted criticism from Blachowicz and others.
Blachowicz’s “protection” charge was his opinion about matchmaking, not an established fact about the UFC’s motives. Pereira had accepted multiple high-profile fights and defeated former champions, while Rountree had put together a winning run of his own. The debate centered on whether the challenger selection followed the clearest contender order.
A disputed path to a title shot
Title rankings do not automatically decide who receives the next fight, and the UFC has often made matchups based on timing, availability and audience interest. Still, bypassing an obvious contender can create frustration among fighters waiting for a title shot. Blachowicz’s comments captured that argument; they did not prove that Pereira had asked to avoid Ankalaev or that the UFC had confirmed such a policy.
Sources: Forbes; UFC 303 coverage; UFC 307 coverage.
Sources
Tags: MMA
