The UFC's return to Salt Lake City this autumn will see a title fight that has taken many by surprise. Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) will defend his belt against Khalil Rountree (13-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) in the main event of UFC 307 on 5 October. The matchup was announced by UFC officials on Friday.
Pereira has already secured two title defences this year, first against former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 and then against another ex-champ, Jiri Prochazka, at UFC 303. A victory for Pereira in Salt Lake City would mark his fourth light heavyweight title win in just over 11 months, a feat rarely seen in the UFC, where most champions average only two title bouts per year.
Following Magomed Ankalaev's (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) matchup against Aleksandar Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, many were left wondering who would be the next challenger for Pereira. Given that Pereira last fought in late June, the timing of this fight suggests he is determined to continue his relentless march through the UFC's history books.
Pereira, who claimed the UFC middleweight title from his kickboxing rival Israel Adesanya in late 2022, lost the belt in a rematch before moving up to light heavyweight. He secured the championship with just two victories, and his subsequent defences have been equally swift.
Although Rountree's name may not have been at the top of most lists for potential title challengers, the 34-year-old veteran of Season 23 of "The Ultimate Fighter" has enjoyed a five-fight winning streak with four stoppage victories, including a third-round finish of former title contender Anthony Smith last December. This impressive run has earned him three post-fight bonuses.
Despite Rountree's recent success, Pereira, who has been a slight favourite or underdog in all his UFC bouts, is likely to be the early favourite in the eyes of oddsmakers due to his recent achievements.
Adding further intrigue to the UFC 307 card is the women's bantamweight title fight that will act as the co-main event. Champion Raquel Pennington will face former titleholder Julianna Peña in a highly anticipated rematch.
For comprehensive coverage of the UFC 307 event, visit MMA Junkie's event hub.
