UFC light heavyweight title remains vacant after UFC 282 in Las Vegas. The UFC made Ankalaev vs. Blachowicz the main event title fight after Jiri Prochazka pulled out of the Glover Teixeira fight due to a shoulder injury. However, the fight ended in a split draw, leaving the fighters and fans equally disappointed.
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Ankalaev came into the fight riding a 9-fight win streak. He had only lost once in his UFC career. Meanwhile, the former champion was coming off a win over Aleksandar Rakic. Blachowicz had only lost one in his last five- his title defense against Glover Teixeira.
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Fans react to UFC 282
39-year-old Jan Blachowicz and 30-year-old Magomed Ankalaev gave it their all at UFC 282. However, both fighters battled it out to a split-decision draw that bewildered everyone, including Joe Rogan and Dana White.
#UFC282 result: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Blachowicz ends in a Split Draw (47-48, 48-47, 47-47); R5, 5:00.
— Sherdog (@sherdogdotcom) December 11, 2022
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oh my gosh. a split draw in the main. what a disaster.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 11, 2022
Speaking after the fight, Blachowicz said he was sure he hadn’t won the fight.
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"I have to watch the fight, but for sure I don't won the fight. I don't know that I lose the fight, but I didn't win the fight." – Jan Blachowicz #UFC282
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) December 11, 2022
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Meanwhile, Ankalaev was visibly upset and made it known in his post-fight speech.
"I won that fight! Why didn't I get my belt?"
Magomed Ankalaev after his split-draw with Jan Blachowicz 😳#UFC282 pic.twitter.com/uFA8KYzI0R
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) December 11, 2022
Another fan tweeted out an opinion saying Jiri Prochazka is still the champion after that UFC 282 surprise.
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You know what? The light heavyweight champion has a name and its JIRI PROCHAZKA #UFC282 @jiri_bjp pic.twitter.com/VWuj4rlXDj
— Gage (@GageMiskimen) December 11, 2022
UFC President Dana White said the main event disappointed him.
Dana White: "The main event was terrible." #UFC282
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) December 11, 2022
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Dana White says he doesn't know who should've won Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev because he started to zone out after three rounds. #UFC282
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) December 11, 2022
White also revealed in the post-fight press conference that they were angling for Jamahal Hill vs. Glover Teixeira for the vacant title in Brazil.
Dana White says Jamahal Hill vs Glover Teixeira for Vacant title in Brazil #UFC282
— Helen Yee (@HelenYeeSports) December 11, 2022
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What are your thoughts on that main event? Did you think there was a clear winner? What do you make of the UFC’s idea for the vacant title fight? Let us know in the comments below.
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