Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira is getting “special protection” after UFC 307 booking with Khalil Rountree

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has hinted at apparent “special” treatment from the promotion to gold holder Alex Pereira – in response to his bout with knockout artist Khalil Rountree at UFC 305 in early October.

Pereira, the current undisputed light heavyweight champion and former middleweight titleholder, is scheduled to headline UFC 307 later this year when the promotion returns to Salt Lake City, Utah, facing rising contender Rountree in his third crown defense at 205 lbs.

Receiving a number of negative comments as a result, former titleholder Jamahal Hill – who has been vocal in seeking a rematch with Pereira – claimed his booking against Rountree was “bad” for mixed martial arts.

“I can’t believe what I just saw announced!!!” Jamahal Hill posted on his account X. “So a guy pulls out of a fight due to (sic) failed drug test for a banned substance (sic) and gets rewarded with a title shot?!! This is terrible for the sport and makes the rankings completely useless!!!”

Jan Blachowicz unhappy with Alex Pereira’s next booking at UFC 307

Echoing those claims, Polish veteran Blachowicz – who is yet to receive his own bout as he recovers from shoulder surgery – claimed the Brazilian has received “special protection” from the UFC.

“With all due respect to Khalil, but there are at least two top contenders who are ready to fight Poatan,” Jan Blachowicz said of Alex Pereira on his official X account. “He doesn’t need special protection.”

In his most recent victory, Pereira was able to defend his light heavyweight crown for the second time in June, scoring a dominant second-round knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka with a terrific finish in a short main event bout at UFC 303. during International Fight Week.