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Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic were scheduled to meet for a second time at UFC 297, but Blachowicz has suffered an injury and has been pulled from the card.
Rakic was the first to comment on the matter on X, while also calling out former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiri Prochazka:
You can never lose a rematch when you pull out for the second time. Legendary Bullshit.
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) December 7, 2023
Let's see if the Samurai has the balls to step up on Jan 20th. @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite
Blachowicz would also issue a statement of his own on Instagram:
???????? It wasn't supposed to be this way. It's hard to express how I feel because it’s a mixture of anger and sadness. Withdrawing from a fight due to injury is one of the most difficult decisions a fighter can make. However, sometimes there is no other option, especially when you are competing in the TOP 5 and want to put on a show at the highest possible level. Instead of fighting for the best shape, I fight with the pain during every training session. I did everything I could, but my shoulders need surgery. In this state, continuing preparations and entering the Octagon would be irresponsible and stupid.
I always say that when I go into a fight, I must be 100% ready. I owe it to myself, my coaches, my opponent and, above all, the fans.
Thank you in advance for your support! I am waiting for the date of surgery, after which rehabilitation and return to training will follow.
I promise I will come back stronger!
There is no word yet on if the UFC plans on rescheduling the fight or if the fighters will be going their separate ways.
