The co-feature of UFC 291 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City showcased a significant light heavyweight matchup between Alex Pereira and Jan Blachowicz.
The co-feature of UFC 291 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City showcased a significant light heavyweight matchup between Alex Pereira and Jan Blachowicz. In an intense and closely contested battle, Pereira emerged victorious in his first light heavyweight fight in the UFC securing a split decision with 29-28 scores from the judges.
Blachowicz began the fight with an early game plan to neutralize Pereira’s striking threat attempting a takedown just 10 seconds into the bout. Pereira defended with a guillotine attempt but Blachowicz adjusted and successfully brought the fight to the ground taking Pereira’s back. Despite the grappling pressure, Pereira remained composed, defending submission attempts and minimizing the damage.
In the second round, Pereira utilized his left jab effectively while Blachowicz responded with leg kicks. Pereira retaliated with hard kicks of his own, and both fighters exchanged heavy punches. Blachowicz managed another takedown spending time on top of the guard. Pereira, however, displayed his resilience by getting back to his feet and pushing forward with aggressive striking keeping Blachowicz against the cage.
The third round saw Pereira leading the striking exchanges early on maintaining a higher volume of strikes. Blachowicz responded with a charging combination but Pereira’s output remained relentless. Halfway through the round, Pereira successfully defended a takedown attempt and continued marching forward. He landed a crisp left hand that snapped Blachowicz’s head back. In the final seconds of the fight, Blachowicz attempted a last-minute takedown but couldn’t secure it and the bout concluded with Pereira on his feet.
With the judges delivering a split decision, Alex Pereira secured the victory with two judges, Derek Cleary, and Ron McCarthy, scoring the fight in his favor. However, Judge Junichiro Kamijo saw it differently and scored the fight for Jan Blachowicz. The closely contested third round played a decisive role in the final outcome.
For more UFC news and updates
Read: UFC 291: Preview, Prediction, Fight Card, Where to Watch, Venue, and Tickets
Read: UFC 291 results: Justin Gaethje claims BMF title with stunning knockout victory Over Dustin Poirier
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