Jan Błachowicz assessed Alex Pereira’s behavior after UFC Freedom 250: Ciryl was simply better

Although Alex Pereira has been arguing for several weeks that his loss to Ciryl Gane was the result of referee Herb Dean’s mistakes and illegal strikes, Jan Błachowicz disagrees with that narrative. The former UFC champion believes that the Frenchman deserved to win the bout and that there is no reason to question his victory.

At UFC Freedom 250, Pereira had the chance to make history as the first fighter to win championship belts in three different weight classes. The Brazilian faced Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title but was stopped in the second round. With this victory, the Frenchman secured a rematch against the division’s undisputed champion, Tom Aspinall.

After the fight, “Poatan” began a series of social media posts in which he argued that the final sequence of the fight included illegal strikes. He also did not hold back in his criticism of Herb Dean, even suggesting that the experienced referee should no longer officiate the UFC’s most important fights. The Brazilian also stated that he would consider ending his career if Dean continues to be assigned to referee the biggest events.

Błachowicz does not share the Brazilian’s opinion

Jan Błachowicz was asked to comment on the entire situation. In an interview with Home of Fight, the Polish fighter admitted that he understands why Pereira is looking for excuses after his loss, but in his opinion, that doesn’t change the outcome of the fight itself.

– He’ll say whatever he thinks is right. He’ll use those kinds of arguments. But with all due respect—because I really like Alex—he didn’t look good in this fight. He was sluggish and slow. Ciryl was simply better, even if you disregard those illegal punches.

The former light heavyweight champion pointed out that the controversial strikes occurred during a very fast-paced final stretch of the fight.

– They happened because Gane felt he was close to ending the fight. Pereira was constantly moving, so it was hard to land every punch perfectly. I really like Alex, but his loss to Ciryl was completely deserved.

Błachowicz is well aware of the Brazilian’s capabilities, as he faced him himself at UFC 291. At that time, “Poatan” won by split decision, and a few months later he claimed the light heavyweight championship belt by defeating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295.