‘This Is Terrible For The Sport’

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The mixed martial arts (MMA) world was left to scratch its collective head on Friday when UFC CEO, Dana White, announced that reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex…


UFC Fight Night: Smith v Rountree
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The mixed martial arts (MMA) world was left to scratch its collective head on Friday when UFC CEO, Dana White, announced that reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, will defend his title next against, Khalil Rountree Jr., at UFC 307 on Oct. 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

While Rountree is a fine fighter coming off five-straight wins inside of the Octagon, he’s only ranked No. 8 in the division and was just kicked off UFC 303 earlier this year due to banned substances. It makes zero sense to catapult him to a title shot against one of the hottest fighters in the sport right now.

After all, Magomed Ankalaev has been waiting for his next title shot after fighting Jan Blachowicz to a draw for the vacant belt back in Dec. 2022.

In any case, UFC matchmakers felt like Rountree was a good choice to be Pereira’s next opponent. The fight itself should be an entertaining war of strikers capable of delivering a highlight-reel finish, but there was little reason why Rountree deserved this title shot and that’s why the MMA community is all worked up.

After White’s UFC 307 announcement video, UFC fighters and fans of the sport took to social media to voice their opinions. This included former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill, who was absolutely furious to see Rountree step in against “Poatan.”

Check out the reaction below:


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