The UFC light heavyweight belt remains vacant after Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev ended in a split draw at UFC 282 tonight.
For many, the decision was a surprising one despite a very close fight. Blachowicz seemed to gain the upper hand in the early rounds after consistently troubling Ankalaev with leg kicks that compromised both of his legs. However Ankalaev dominated the championship rounds, taking Blachowicz down several times and landing savage ground strikes.
Both men were more than perplexed when the judges scorecards were announced and a split draw was declared, meaning neither fighter was awarded the belt. The final scorecard read 48-47, 46-48, 47-47. And notably, Blachowicz interrupted Ankalaev’s post-fight interview to declare that the Russian had won the fight.
You can catch all the highlights and the full scorecard of the main event below:
We've got a scrap on our hands 🍿 #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/xfvImntUTf
These leg kicks from Blachowicz are doing serious damage 😬 #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/4AdJoeHz13
The #UFC282 main event ends in a split draw. pic.twitter.com/ym9PvdFgDs
#UFC282 Official Scorecard: Jan Blachowicz vs Magomed Ankalaev 👇
All Tonight’s Scorecards ➡️: https://t.co/ZOw63NkfWN pic.twitter.com/WdwNTUJa2o
Here’s what MMA fighters had to say about the split draw between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev.
I just watched the "title" Fight.
Everyone knows who the Champion is.
Just give me some time.
⚡️🙏⚡️
🤡🤡🤡
Congratulations on digging deep and winning a championship on no legs!! I got a class to do in March then I got a scholarship for you too my guy!!!#imcoming #strapseason #2023 #mytime
😳 what just happened? @ufc #ufc282
This is why wrestling is King. #andnew
Ankalaev won this fight. Give the man his fuc***g belt 😤
OMG , I’m done for tonight . Wow . Split draw #UFC282
Jan figuring him out 19-19! Those leg kicks are hurting him.
Damn what a great five rounds #UFC282
Jan: "Give the belt to Ankalaev"
"I dont know if I lost the fight, but for sure I didn't win this fight" 👏🏼
How could anyone not love this man ?!
👏🏼👏🏼#UFC282
As I fighter I feel very bad for Ankalaev, knowing that these judges would never step inside the cage themselves and at least cut weight once in their life and they’re making bulshit decisions like this …#Ankalaev #AndNew 🥇
Ankalaev was robbed of his win money and the belt these judges tonight need to be fired two insane decisions tonight
Do you think Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev should run it back?
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