The Final Verdict: Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev

The Final Verdict: Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Abdullah Ouazri|
December 11, 2022|
5

The UFC's Light Heavyweight title picture just went from bad to worse...

Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev fought to a split draw at UFC 282, leaving the already vacant 205 lbs title without an owner. Many fans disagree with the decision and think a different outcome should have occurred.

Let's see if the judges got it right:

Round 1

Blachowicz starts the round with a few leg kicks before eating a big counter. They trade kicks and Ankalaev jabs. He counters another punch from Blachowicz. Body shot lands for the former champion but is returned with a head kick. Left hand for Ankalaev and then a few front kicks to the body. Another trio of kicks to the legs and body of his opponent. Jan ends the round with one more leg kick.

10-9 Ankalaev.

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Round 2

Ankalaev partially lands a head kick. 2 front kicks land and then a leg kick. He checks a leg kick, then evades Blachowicz, landing another front kick and a few punches after. Blachowicz slams Ankalaev's leg with another kick, this time the Dagestani felt it. Again he kicks the leg, tripping Ankalaev down. Blachowicz ends the round with a few more kicks and they clinch.

10-9 Blachowicz.

Round 3

Blachowicz lands twice and eats a front kick to the body. Big right hand from Ankalaev. Jan throws a head kick but it's blocked. He dodges a flurry but eats another front kick right after. Combo from Ankalaev, but Jan returns with two hard kicks. Ankalaev shakes off his leg and backs up. They clinch up briefly and Ankalaev checks a kick this time. He makes Jan miss on a leg kick before scoring a takedown to end the round.

10-9 Blachowicz.

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Round 4

Jan evades an early combo but gets pushed to the cage. Ankalaev chips away with knees and a few short punches before they separate. The Dagestani scores another takedown, putting Blachowicz in his back. He transitions to the back but Jan regains partial guard. Ankalaev lands elbows and ground-and-pound before standing up and punishing Jan's legs with big kicks.

10-9 Ankalaev.

Round 5

Ankalaev unleashes a lighting-fast combo and Blachowicz sprawls to evade. Ankalaev chases him and after a scramble lands on top. He passes to half-guard and traps Blachowicz's right arm with the patented Dagestani handcuff. From here it was several hard blows to the head. Blachowicz gets flattened out on his back and eats more huge elbows and punches.

10-8 Ankalaev.

Final Score: 48-46 Ankalaev

So, did the judges get this one right? No, no they did not.

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