Tonight in the headliner of UFC 282, the vacant light heavyweight title was on the line. Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1) took on Jan Blachowicz (29-9-1). Through the first three rounds of the fight, Blachowicz seemed to be in control with brutal leg kicks.
However, the final two rounds was dominated by Ankalaev’s wrestling. The scores were all over the place and the fight was ultimately ruled a split draw leaving the title vacant. Dana White appeared at the post-fight press conference and he was clearly annoyed by the result to the main event.
When asked what was next for the light heavyweight title, the boss broke some news. Next month in Brazil at UFC 283, former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira (33-8) will take on the young sensation Jamahal Hill (11-1, 1 NC).
UFC 283
Originally, Teixeira was supposed to face Jiri Prochazka in the UFC 282 headliner for the title. However, after Prochazka got hurt and vacated the title, Blachowicz and Ankalaev got the shot at the vacant championship. With no winner of that lackluster fight, the promotion is moving on to something new.
Glover Teixeira was willing to fight Ankalaev for the title in Brazil since he would have more time to prepare. He ultimately turned down Ankalaev at UFC 282 because of the last minute proposed change. Nobody can really blame him.
When the draw was read this evening, I immediately felt bad for him not knowing when he’d get another shot. Turns out, he won’t have to wait long. Jamahal Hill was set to headline a UFC Fight Night in March against Anthony Smith. However, that fight has been scrapped for this title fight and the UFC will look for a new opponent for Smith. Wild night.