Alex Pereira didn’t expect the title fight against Khalil Rountree

SALT LAKE CITY – Like many others, Alex Pereira was caught off guard by Khalil Rountree’s shot at the UFC light heavyweight belt.

“Poatan” will defend his belt against Rountree (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) – who sits at No. 8 in – this Saturday in the main event of UFC 307 at the Delta Center (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+). the official UFC rankings. Many thought Magomed Ankalaev had the chance and were surprised when Rountree got the call, including Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC).

“No, I didn’t imagine that,” Pereira said at UFC 307 media day on Wednesday. “I think in his previous fight he mentioned my name, but he was way back in the ranks so it didn’t cross my mind, but you have to prepare for him.”

Despite not being ranked in the top five of the division, Rountree is on a five-fight winning streak and four stoppage victories, which is why Pereira considers him a worthy opponent.

“He deserves it,” Pereira said. “The same thing happened to me. He’s kind of jumped up the rankings, but that’s thanks to the work he’s put in. I worked that way too, kept beating a few guys, and then the opportunity presented itself.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s UFC 307 event hub.