UFC LHW title fight ends in controversial split draw

A shocking ending to Saturday night’s UFC light heavyweight title fight saw neither Jan Błachowicz nor Magomed Ankalaev leave with the belt, as the judges scored the bout a split draw. Per ring announcer Bruce Buffer, the scorecards read 48-47 Błachowicz, 48-46 Ankalaev and 47-47.

The decision clearly surprised both fighters, along with the audience and commentary team, as Ankalaev was the widely perceived winner. As Bruce Buffer read the scorecards, Błachowicz could be seen pointing to Ankalaev and dipping his head in acceptance of his assumed loss.

The #UFC282 main event ends in a split draw. pic.twitter.com/ym9PvdFgDs

— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022

In his postfight interview, Ankalaev said through an interpreter that he doesn’t know if he wants to fight for the UFC again because of how much he disagrees with the decision. However, state commissions, not the UFC, are in charge of picking the judges for bouts.

Ankalaev appeared to win the vacant championship with his smothering wrestling game in the fight’s closing rounds. That included an unstoppable fifth round that rendered Błachowicz unable to land any strikes of note.

In the fight’s opening round, Błachowicz’ standup game looked strong and sharp, as the former champion used fierce kicks to batter Ankalaev’s legs.

But a strategy change from Ankalaev proved repeatedly effective as the Russian fighter spent much of the final 10 minutes in dominant top position. As the final horn sounded, Ankalaev got up and celebrated around the cage while Błachowicz remained seated in frustration.

Błachowicz was so surprised by the scorecards that he told Joe Rogan afterwards that he’d be okay with Ankalaev taking the belt.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, UFC president Dana White called the main event ‘terrible’ and announced that there will be another bout for the vacant light heavyweight title in January at UFC 283. There, former champion Glover Teixeira will take on Jamahal Hill.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨@GloverTeixeira to take on @JamahalH for the vacant LHW title at #UFC283! pic.twitter.com/JQOpACa6u4

— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022

The co-main event was also marred by scorecard controversy, as winner Paddy Pimblett earned the unanimous decision victory over Jared Gordon despite Gordon landing solid strikes in round one and clamping clinch work in the third.

Pimblett landed enough convincing strikes to convince the judges, walking away with a 4-0 UFC record, although the popular star had his toughest fight to get there.

(Both photos by Chris Unger / Zuffa LLC)