Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz made his return inside the Octagon at UFC Vegas 54. The Polish fighter squared off against Aleksandar Rakic in virtually a title eliminator in the division.
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The bout was what everything the fight fans expected and more. Both Rakic and Blachowicz put on a show as long as the fight lasted. However, there was a horrible ending to the bout as Rakic’s knee appeared to pop. The 30-year-old immediately fell to the ground, and the referee waved off the fight.
Rakic had an unfortunate end to the fight and now holds a record of 14-3. Subsequently, it would be a tough win for the former champion, as he would have wanted a more definitive performance.
Also Read – Was Jan Blachowicz’s Win Over Israel Adesanya Legitimate?
In any event, Blachowicz is probably next for UFC’s light heavyweight title against the winner of Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275.
However, Magomed Ankalaev might get an edge for the next title bout, as Blachowicz, in the post-fight interview, suggested that he is suffering from an eye injury and would need some time to recover and perhaps even need a surgery.
MMA/UFC Twitter reacts to Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic
The main event between two explosive knockout artists, Blachowicz and Rakic, had fight fans tuned in. Likewise, they left their words for the top light heavyweight fighters, going to work. However, most reactions came down to how the bout ended.
Jan Blachowicz showing up to the press conference with a bracelet made out of Rakic's ACL. #UFCVegas54
— MacMally🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) May 15, 2022
Jan Blachowicz scores the win in the third after it looks like Rakic blew out his knee.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) May 15, 2022
Ughhhh hate to see a fight end like that there’s so many ways to get hurt in a fight
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 15, 2022
Oh wow, Rakic’s knee gave out? whoa. #UFCVegas54
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) May 15, 2022
Joe Rogan just showed up to interview Rakic’s leg. #UFC
— MMA Roasted (@MMARoasted) May 15, 2022
Before the snap happened, the bout saw both fighters investing in the legs and taking a measured approach while still being active and putting on a classic.
Who was winning the main event, between Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic?
During the bout, Rakic was the faster fighter. However, Blachowicz, as usual, sneakily landed some nasty strikes when Rakic didn’t expect them.
Both fighters were monitoring their cardio, while also being tentative about each other’s power. Hence, none had taken any substantial lead in the bout. Even the judges’ scorecard suggests the same.
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#UFCVegas54 Official Scorecard: Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) vs Aleksandar Rakic
View All Official Scorecards: https://t.co/dccvdN9FX9 pic.twitter.com/KqResoabHo
— UFC News (@UFCNews) May 15, 2022
Thus, it was a disastrous result for the bout, as it felt like a five-rounder for the ages. Both fighters knew all roads lead to the UFC light heavyweight championship, thus, both were fighting for the ultimate glory with full determination.
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What do you think of the horrible ending of the UFC Vegas 54 main event?