“Champions from Russia are not profitable now, and the UFC looks at things from a business point of view” – Shabliy

Russian Bellator fighter Alexander Shabliy believes that in the fight for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title between Magomed Ankalaev and Pole Jan Blachowicz, which ended in a draw, the victory should have been given to the Russian.

The fight took place as part of the UFC 282 tournament in Las Vegas and lasted all five rounds. The judges did not give victory to any of the fighters.

– Of course, Magomed won. I saw that he confidently took the third, fourth and fifth rounds. I didn’t see any chance for Blachowicz to win in this fight. All the world’s largest publications, with the exception of Sherdog, gave the victory to Ankalaev. I am not an expert, but authoritative and world-renowned publications give the victory to Magomed.

It can be assumed that now champions from Russia are unprofitable for the UFC, but at the same time, Islam Makhachev represents Russia and is a rather popular and rated guy. As for Magomed, he shows everything in battles and proves it, and the UFC should make him popular. Blachowicz would be a better option for them. If the fight had been closer, they would have given the victory to him, as it was in the fight of Petr Yan (with O’Malley – Approx. ed.).

Champions from Russia are now unprofitable, and the UFC looks at things from a business point of view. They are not ready to bet on Russian fighters, but there is no getting away from the Russians. There are too many of our fighters and they are declaring themselves louder and louder. I think that Magomed does not need to finish and be disappointed. I think he has excellent chances to beat Glover Teixeira and everyone else, — quotes Shablia Metaratings.ru.

• “I said that I no longer want to fight in Las Vegas because of refereeing, it was not about the UFC” – Ankalaev
• “It’s time for the UFC to change judges, this is no good anymore” – UFC fighter Alekseev about the fight between Ankalaev and Blakhovitch
• “Everyone knows who the real champion is. Give me time” – Prochazka about the duel between Ankalaev and Blachowicz