Blachowicz rips Pereira for Adesanya callout: 'We have unfinished business'
Jan Blachowicz believes it was wrong for newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira to call out a middleweight in Israel Adesanya at UFC 295.
Blachowicz, the former light heavyweight champ, tore into Pereira in a series of tweets Sunday, calling him "slimy" and saying they have "unfinished business." Pereira made his 205-pound debut against Blachowicz at UFC 291 in July and won by 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. pic.twitter.com/jlv5NnohV8
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 12, 2023
After knocking out Jiri Prochazka to capture the vacant light heavyweight title in Saturday's main event, Pereira invited Adesanya, the former two-time middleweight titleholder, to move up and challenge him for the 205-pound belt.
Pereira and Adesanya have fought twice in the UFC already - and twice previously in kickboxing - which is why Blachowicz has an issue with the potential matchup.
Pereira finished Adesanya via TKO in November 2022 to win the 185-pound championship, and then Adesanya scored a knockout win in a rematch in April to regain the middleweight throne. Adesanya has since lost the title again, against Sean Strickland in September.
I see I need to clarify.
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 12, 2023
People see me that I'm a nice guy all the time. But sometimes I get pissed off, like everyone in life. I'm still super angry that they stole my W against Pereira.
Now he calls out Adesanya again. Give it a rest already. We’ve been there 4 times!
Though Blachowicz wants another crack at Pereira, that won't be next for him. The Pole is scheduled to face Aleksandar Rakic in a rematch at UFC 297 on Jan. 20. Plus, UFC CEO Dana White said Saturday that former champion Jamahal Hill, who relinquished the title in July due to injury, is next in line to face Pereira.
This is LHW and that split decision means we have unfinished business here.
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 12, 2023
I’m just saying what I feel. Don’t blame me for it. Just letting you know this.
This is all from me. I’m going back to the gym. Got a new opponent and a job to do.