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Dana White justifies Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree: ‘Makes a lot of sense’

Dana White Justifies Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree: "Makes a lot of sense" UFC CEO, Dana White has responded to criticizm of a booked headliner between champion, Alex Pereira and challenger, Khalil…

UFC CEO, Dana White has responded to criticizm of a booked headliner between champion, Alex Pereira and challenger, Khalil Rountree later this year – claiming the pairing “makes a lot of sense” – before challenging Magomed Ankalaev to ‘earn’ a shot at the divisional crown.

Pereira, the incumbent undisputed light heavyweight titleholder and a former middleweight gold holder, is slated to return in two months time at UFC 307, headlining the promotion’s return to Salt Lake City in a title showdown with the surging, Rountree.

Most recently featuring in the main event of UFC 303 at the end of June, Sao Paulo finisher, Alex Pereira landed a stunning second round high-kick knockout win over former champion, Jiri Prochazka – felling the Czech Republic native for the second time since their first meeting last November.

As for Rountree, The Ultimate Fighter finalist has been embroiled in an anti-doping violation since he felled former title challenger, Anthony Smith with a third round knockout back in December, however, is set to take on Alex Pereira in his premiere title tilt in the organization.

Dana White defends Alex Pereira – Khalil Rountree booking

And amid scrutiny from former title chaser, Ankalaev – who features just two weeks after Pereira’s return at UFC 308 as he battles Aleksandar Rakic, the Russian has been challenged by White to earn his own title fight next.

“He (Magomed Ankalaev) didn’t get skipped over, he’s got a fight coming up,” Dana White said following the Contender Series overnight. “We were laying the fights out now, Ankalaev’s got a fight lined up, go in there, do your thing, look great, obviously you’re next.”

“We had a to make this fight card and as you go down the line you start looking at it, it’s clear (Khalil) Rountree makes a lot of sense and you said it yourself, ‘No way in hell that’s not a fun one.’” Dana White continued. “Timing is everything.”

Coach rules Sean Strickland from ‘Nightmare’ rematch with UFC star Alex Pereira

Amid links to a potential one-time return to his former middleweight stomping ground, Alex Pereira would be a “nightmare”…

Amid links to a potential one-time return to his former middleweight stomping ground, Alex Pereira would be a “nightmare” re-run for fellow former divisional champion, Sean Strickland according to his own head coach, Eric Nicksick.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight gold holder and the current light heavyweight champion, weighed up a spectacular one-time return to 185lbs over the course of last weekend, in direct response to Dricus du Plessis’ submission win over common-foe, Israel Adesanya.

Already booked for his next outing in the Octagon, Sao Paulo knockout ace, Pereira is slated to headline UFC 307 at the beginning of October, taking on the surging, Khalil Rountree in his third appearance of the year.

Furthermore, with Pereira weighing up a potential divisional drop, the above-mentioned, Strickland could prospectively find himself linked to a rematch with the Brazilian – although he is likely to challenge du Plessis in a title rematch according to UFC boss, Dana White.

Alex Pereira rematch billed a “nightmare” for Sean Strickland

Fighting him back in 2022, Strickland dropped a stunning opening round knockout loss to Pereira in a title-eliminator clash at middleweight. However, if coach Nicksick has any say in the matchmaking, he has no wish to see his student tackle the berserker.

“That’s a nightmare,” Eric Nicksick told Submission Radio of a rematch between Sean Strickland, and Alex Pereira. “That’s a nightmare, to relive that all over again. Just stay up there at 205 (pounds), man, do your thing up there. We’re good.”

Sidelined since he headlined UFC 303 at the end of June during International Fight Week, Pereira turned in a stunning second round high-kick knockout win over two-time foe, Jiri Prochazka in the pair’s title rematch in Las Vegas.

Coach rules Sean Strickland from ‘Nightmare’ rematch with UFC star Alex Pereira

Amid links to a potential one-time return to his former middleweight stomping ground, Alex Pereira would be a “nightmare”…

Alex Pereira rematch billed a “nightmare” for Sean Strickland

Khalil Rountree Responds To Critics Of Title Fight Against Alex Pereira: ‘Couldn’t Even Call Them True Fans If You’re Not Happy’

Khalil Rountree recently clapped back at critics who questioned his title shot against reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Last week, UFC CEO Dana White made waves by announcing that Rountree will challenge Pereira in the headline bout of UFC 307, set for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. […]

Continue Reading Khalil Rountree Responds To Critics Of Title Fight Against Alex Pereira: ‘Couldn’t Even Call Them True Fans If You’re Not Happy’ at MMA News.

Khalil Rountree recently clapped back at critics who questioned his title shot against reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Last week, UFC CEO Dana White made waves by announcing that Rountree will challenge Pereira in the headline bout of UFC 307, set for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The fight announcement raised eyebrows, as “The War Horse” is still serving a suspension for the inadvertent use of the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which was found in one of the supplements he was using while preparing for his scheduled bout against Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 this past June.

Rountree is still under suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, which extended his two-month temporary ban during a hearing last month. With the 34-year-old Californian now slated to fight in October, it’s likely he has already reached a settlement with the commission, though the official announcement is expected at a later date.

However, many from the MMA community, including fellow fighters, have voiced disapproval of the upcoming fight, citing Rountree’s suspension and questioning his place in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. Yet, “The War Horse” remains undeterred by the critics…

Rountree Admits Title Fight Opportunity Was Unexpected

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Rountree opened up about the announcement of his title fight against Pereira. The seasoned light heavyweight contender revealed that he received an unexpected call from UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, who offered him the chance to face “Poatan” in October.

“I got a call from Hunter,” Rountree said. “I was having a bad day that day, dealing with some other stuff, and he was like, ‘Hey, I’ll make your day better; we’ve got this opportunity for you to fight Alex in October.’ It kind of came by surprise, but of course, I’m going to accept.”

“The War Horse” also responded to the naysayers who have been downplaying his title shot, acknowledging that it’s out of his hands but making it clear that he’s not letting the negativity distract him from his goal.

“I understand that people are upset. Whatever. It’s not my problem, for one. It’s not my problem. It’s out of my control. They give me the call, I take it. Let them deal with their own problems. Let them talk to the UFC. Whatever fans are not happy about this, I don’t know why. I couldn’t even call them true fans if you’re not happy about this matchup. But for everybody else, they’re absolutely right. It’s going to be exciting from start to finish, and I’m hyped.”

Rountree is currently on a five-fight win streak, with four of those victories coming by knockout. His most recent triumph was a decisive win over former title challenger Anthony Smith in December 2023. He boasts a UFC record of 9-5 with one no-contest.

Read More: Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, ‘Wonderboy’ vs. Joaquin Buckley, & Other Fights Announced For UFC 307

Continue Reading Khalil Rountree Responds To Critics Of Title Fight Against Alex Pereira: ‘Couldn’t Even Call Them True Fans If You’re Not Happy’ at MMA News.

Khalil Rountree Will Not Be Looking to Takedown Alex Pereira: “That’s not in my plans.”

Khalil Rountree is ready to give fans a fight to remember this fall. Earlier this month, Dana White revealed…

Khalil Rountree is ready to give fans a fight to remember this fall.

Earlier this month, Dana White revealed that reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira would headline the promotion’s return to Salt Lake City on October 5. There, ‘Poatan’ will meet Rountree, the division’s No. 8 ranked contender, in a fight that nobody expected to see. At least, not so soon.

News of Rountree’s title shot left a lot of fighters and fans frustrated, many of them believing that there are far more deserving contenders in the division i.e. Magomed Ankalaev. Not to mention the fact that Rountree is currently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after ingesting the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

As a result, he was forced to bow out of his previously scheduled scrap with Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 in June.

The War Horse’ brings an exciting style to the Octagon that is sure to deliver a banger in SLC, which is probably why the UFC landed on him as Pereira’s next opponent. So don’t expect to see any takedown attempts when Rountree headlines his first pay-per-view on MMA’s biggest stage.

“So check this out: in my career, I have never shot one takedown,” Rountree told The Schmo. “That’s not in my plans, right? I’m here to put on an amazing fight for the fans.

“This one, regardless of what anybody says, this is a fight for the fans. I think with my style, with his style, this fight is not gonna disappoint. So I’m there to do what I do, to do what my fans and everybody knows that I’m capable of. And all I can say is expect expect a banger, man” (h/t MMA Mania).

Standing and trading with Alex Pereira probably isn’t the most sound strategy, but it’s served Rountree pretty well so far.

Khalil Rountree says whether you like it or not, he’s next

As for all the haters, Rountree isn’t concerned with what a bunch of keyboard warriors have to say.

“It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter,” Rountree said. “The fight’s happening regardless of whatever they think or not. The fight’s happening, and it’s gonna be a good one. And that’s all I can say, man.”

Rountree is currently riding a five-fight win streak with four of those wins coming by way of KO. Overall, he has nine finishes in 13 total victories, seven of them coming under the UFC banner. His most recent victory came against perennial contender Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith in December, putting away the one-time title challenger in the third round with a perfectly timed uppercut.

Alex Pereira branded ‘Biggest chicken in the UFC’ for calling out Dricus du Plessis

Undisputed light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira has received more flak for his call out of current middleweight titleholder, Dricus…

Undisputed light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira has received more flak for his call out of current middleweight titleholder, Dricus du Plessis following UFC 305 over the course of the weekend – by his arch-nemesis, Magomed Ankalaev.

Pereira, the current undisputed light heavyweight gold holder, most recently turned in the second successful defense of his divisional crown at UFC 303 at the end of June, laying waste to former champion, Jiri Prochazka with a blistering second round high-kick knockout win.

And booked to make his comeback for a third time this year to boot, Sao Paulo finishing star, Alex Pereira is set to take main event honors at UFC 307 in October, taking on the surging challenger, Khalil Rountree – for which he has already been criticized for.

Daniel Cormier Slams UFC: Why Pereira vs. Ankalaev Fight Was Shelved

However, following the culmination of UFC 305 over the course of last weekend, in which du Plessis submitted common-opponent, Israel Adesanya with a stunning rear-naked choke success – Pereira boldly vowed to return to middleweight to take him on for gold.

Alex Pereira labelled “chicken” by Magomed Ankalaev after UFC 305

Reacting to the Brazilian’s calls, the above-mentioned Ankalaev has blasted Pereira for doing so – labelling him a “chicken” – in fact, the biggest of such currently on the UFC’s books.

“Alex Pereira [is the] biggest chicken in the UFC,” Magomed Ankalaev posted on his official X account. “He call (sic) out guys middleweight he 40 pounds more than them. I am the only guy he doesn’t even mention my name I promise I’m gonna handle my business in October and I’m gonna knock you out under 2 rounds.”

Himself slated to return just two weeks after Pereira’s comeback, Russian contender, Ankalaev most is controversially set to challenge fellow European star, Aleksandar Rakic in a potential title-eliminator on the main card of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, UAE at the end of the same month.