by Jan Blachowicz admits Magomed Ankalaev SHOULD be awarded title in incredible act of sportsmanship… with Polish fighter baffled by judges awarding him UFC 282 draw and rival threatening to QUIT in protest over scorecards
- Magomed Ankalaev was convinced he should have won the UFC 282 decision
- The fight with Jan Blachowicz was ruled a draw on the scorecards
- Afterwards, even a Polish fighter admitted that he thought he had lost the contest
In stunning scenes after the UFC 282 title shot, Jan Blachowicz admitted the judges were wrong to give him a draw.
It was a remarkable act of sportsmanship on the part of the Polish fighter, who felt he hadn’t done enough to beat Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant light-heavyweight title.
During the Russian’s post-fight interview in the octagon with Joe Rogan, he said, “I don’t know what to say, I won that fight.” I can’t choose the judges, where is my belt, I won this belt.
Magomed Ankalaev was certain he had beaten Jan Blachowicz (right) but it was a draw
There was real confusion and a feeling of anti-climax when the result was read
‘It doesn’t matter that I felt pain in my legs, I did what it took to get this victory. I always do what I have to do to adapt, I can do anything.
“I don’t know if I’m going to fight again for this organization, I don’t know what happened.
‘I don’t know what else to say. Honestly, I don’t know what to say.
Their conversation, conducted through an interpreter, was briefly interrupted by Blachowicz, who approached to say magnanimously that they should give the belt to Ankalaev.
“Give the belt to Ankalaev”, we heard.
Rogan then replied, “You think the belt should go to Ankalaev?” I agree. Jan Blachowicz is an honorable man, ladies and gentlemen.
Ankalaev has been the rising force for some time but was thwarted by the judges
In the fight itself, Blachowicz had some early success and compromised Ankalaev’s legs with low kicks.
But Dagestan changed their strategy to fight harder and dominated the final rounds convincingly.
There will no doubt be an inquest over the judging in Las Vegas, especially since there was also controversy in the co-main event.
Paddy Pimblett won a unanimous decision over Jared Gordon, but many fans and fighters took to social media to say it was a “robbery”.
Paddy Pimblett beat Jared Gordon (right) by unanimous decision in the co-main
