The name Alex Pereira (11-2, 9 KOs) is one of the most electrifying in the UFC light heavyweight division. The Brazilian made his debut in this weight class in a fight with Jan Błachowicz in July last year. Pereira won then by a split decision, and then defeated Jiri Prochazka (30-5, 26 KOs) at UFC 295 to win the championship belt in this division. The Brazilian later defended the title, winning against Jamahal Hill (12-2, 7 KOs) and, again, Prochazka.
Pereira has already announced that he intends to return to the middleweight category, where he previously fought. His goal is to win the belt in this weight class, in which the current champion is Dricus du Plessis (22-2, 9 KO). For now, however, the Brazilian will fight at UFC 307 in Utah. The selection of his opponent is proving to be controversial, to put it mildly. Pereira's opponent in the next fight, scheduled for October 2024, will be Khalil Rountree Jr. (13-5, 9 KO).
The American's choice may be surprising, as he is ranked eighth in the light heavyweight category, and has recently returned from a two-month suspension for unknowingly using performance-enhancing drugs. “A fight between Rountree and Pereira makes sense, and there's no way it wouldn't be a good fight. Timing is key,” says UFC boss Dana White. The controversy over Pereira's opponent was also related to the omission of Magomed Ankalaev (18-1, 10 KOs) as a contender for the belt.
UFC champion specially protected? What words from Błachowicz. “What the f*** is this”
Jan Błachowicz, who spoke to the MiddleEasy channel, commented on the UFC's actions. The “Prince of Cieszyn” made it clear with his statements that Pereira may be protected by the federation, hence the choice of his opponent. – I have no idea why the UFC did this. Tell me, because I'm confused, what the f*** is this? Why didn't they put Ankalaev against Aleksandar Rakic here? Why didn't they ask me about the fight with Pereira? Maybe I would have been ready a little earlier. That's how I feel that Pereira has special protection – said the Pole.
Błachowicz also commented on his fight with the Brazilian. – I believe that I won the fight with Pereira. Maybe they don't want to do this fight again because they know that this time he will lose 100 percent. Maybe that's why they don't want to give him Ankalaev, because he is very strong. Maybe they want to give him another nice win – he said. It is worth adding that UFC has matched Rakic with Ankalaev, but at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. “With all due respect to Khalil, but there are at least two higher-ranked contenders who are ready to fight Pereira. He doesn't need special protection” – wrote Błachowicz on August 16 on the X portal.
As you can see, Błachowicz still believes that he was unfairly defeated by Pereira last year. “A bunch of thieves, they robbed me. I'll be back,” Błachowicz wrote on Instagram at the time. “Now, no fight is in his favor from what I see. Doesn't it make sense? How does it make no sense? Because he knows that he lost this fight. Deep down, it's in him,” he said at the end of last year, commenting on Pereira's statements. “Of course, Jan has to secure a fight, attract some attention to himself to fight for the belt,” these are the words of the Brazilian.
Błachowicz fought his last fight in the UFC against Pereira. The Pole has shoulder surgery behind him and would like to fight in December of this year. – Mick Maynard [matchmaker UFC – red.] he said they need me. That makes me very happy – said the Pole in an interview with Polsat Sport. Jan's dream rival is Pereira. – I deserve a rematch, I don't need any warm-up fight. But I can do it, no problem. There's Ankalaev, Prochazka or Hill. One of these names for sure – commented “Cieszyński Książę”.
Błachowicz was the light heavyweight champion from September 27, 2020 to October 30, 2021. The “Prince of Cieszyn” lost the belt to Brazilian Glover Teixeira at UFC 267.