In a recent development, Jan Blachowicz, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, has expressed disapproval of Alex Pereira, the newly crowned champion in the same division, for challenging middleweight contender Israel Adesanya at UFC 295.
Blachowicz, who previously held the light heavyweight title, took to Twitter on Sunday to criticize Pereira, labeling him as “slimy” and stating that there is ‘unfinished business’ between them. Pereira had faced Blachowicz in his 205-pound debut at UFC 291 in July, securing a victory via split decision.
“@AlexPereiraUFC I know you’re a slimy one. Calling out Izzy. Great performance and all but STFU, we have unfinished business you and I. The judges won’t give you hand outs next time. Pathetic.”
After securing the vacant light heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka in the main event on Saturday, Pereira extended an invitation to Israel Adesanya, the former two-time middleweight titleholder, urging him to move up and challenge for the 205-pound belt.
Pereira and Adesanya have faced each other twice in the UFC, and they had two prior encounters in kickboxing. This history is the source of Blachowicz’s reservations about the potential matchup.
In November 2022, Pereira defeated Adesanya via TKO to claim the 185-pound championship, but Adesanya rebounded with a knockout victory in their April rematch to reclaim the middleweight throne. Adesanya later lost the title again in September against Sean Strickland.
People generally perceive me as a nice guy all the time. However, like everyone else in life, there are moments when I get upset. I’m still extremely angry about them taking away my victory against Pereira.
Although Blachowicz desires another opportunity to face Pereira, it won’t be his immediate next bout. The Polish fighter is currently slated to have a rematch against Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 297 on January 20. Additionally, UFC CEO Dana White announced on Saturday that the former champion Jamahal Hill, who vacated the title in July due to injury, is set to be the next challenger for Pereira.