Vadim Nemkov weighs in on Ankalaev vs. Blachowicz draw at UFC 282

Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov has weighed in on the outcome of Magomed Ankalaev versus Jan Blachowicz, a matchup that unfolded at the UFC tournament in Las Vegas. The event drew strong opinions as the decision sparked debate across the MMA community.
The Ankalaev-Blachowicz contest, part of UFC 282 in Las Vegas, concluded as a draw under the referees’ assessments. One official favored Ankalaev, another preferred Blachowicz, while a third saw the bout as a standstill. With the title belt still vacant, the result left fans and pundits uneasy and a chorus of disagreement rose in the aftermath.
Nemkov pointed to Blachowicz’s setback as a pivotal element in how the final round was interpreted. He noted that the third round was tightly contested, with both fighters exchanging control as the clock wound down. The referee’s interpretation of the last moments in that round became the flashpoint for the draw verdict.
In Ankalaev’s ledger, this bout marked the 19th professional contest. It added to a record of 17 wins and a single loss. Blachowicz, meanwhile, stepped into his 39th professional fight and added the first draw of his MMA career.
Earlier discussions had circulated about notable voices regarding the draw, including former UFC champion Daniel Cormier, who shared thoughts on the Ankalaev–Blachowicz result and its implications for the division. (Source: Sport Express)