Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz was not a fan of Alex Pereira’s callout of Israel Adesanya at UFC 295.
In the main event of the pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden in New York, Pereira claimed the vacant light heavyweight title by finishing Jiri Prochazka in the second round. During his post-fight interview, Pereria turned his attention to a familiar foe in Adesanya, which did not sit well with Blachowicz.
The pair have history as Blachowicz was the man to welcome Pereira to the light heavyweight division in July at UFC 291. The result of the fight was a close split decision, that led Pereira to a fight for the title when Jamahal Hill vacated due to injury. Blachowicz thinks Pereira’s attention should be on him instead of Adesanya.
“I know you’re a slimy one. Calling out Izzy,” Blachowicz wrote on X. “Great performance and all but STFU, we have unfinished business, you and I. The judges won’t give you handouts next time. Pathetic.”
Blachowicz’s statement drew quite a reaction on social media, prompting the former champ to elaborate on his statement.
“I see I need to clarify,” Blachowicz wrote. “People see me that I’m a nice guy all the time. But sometimes I get pissed off, like everyone in life. I’m still super angry that they stole my W against Pereira. Now he calls out Adesanya again. Give it a rest already. We’ve been there 4 times!”
This is LHW and that split decision means we have unfinished business here,” Blachowicz continued in another message. “I’m just saying what I feel. Don’t blame me for it. Just letting you know this. This is all from me. I’m going back to the gym. Got a new opponent and a job to do.”
Blachowicz’s new opponent was officially announced during the UFC 295 broadcast. He will be running it back with Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 297 in a rematch from May 2022.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.
