Alex Pereira vows to fight Dricus du Plessis after UFC 305 win: ‘Coming down to 185 one more time’

Alex Pereira vows to fight Dricus du Plessis after UFC 305 win: 'Coming down to 185 one more time'Tuning in to last night’s UFC 305 headliner, former middleweight champion, Alex Pereira has vowed to move back to…

Alex Pereira vows to fight Dricus du Plessis after UFC 305 win: 'Coming down to 185 one more time'

Tuning in to last night’s UFC 305 headliner, former middleweight champion, Alex Pereira has vowed to move back to his former stomping ground for one night only – in a title affair with Dricus du Plessis following his stunning win over common-foe, Israel Adesanya.

Headlining last night’s return ‘Downunder’, du Plessis defended his undisputed middleweight crown for the first time at UFC 305, submitting common-opponent, Adesanya with a spectacular fourth round win, landing a rear-naked choke stoppage.

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The win came as du Plessis fourth real high-profile win in the division, following a prior success over Darren Till and ex-champion, Robert Whittaker, as well as title fight victories against Sean Strickland, and the above-mentioned, Adesanya.

Alex Pereira welcomes middleweight drop after UFC 305

And while the previously mentioned, Strickland has already been pegged as the next challenger to du Plessis following his win in Perth over Adesanya, the South African has been offered a massive clash by current light heavyweight kingpin, Pereira – in a middleweight comeback.

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“Coming down to 185 one more time,” Alex Pereira posted on his official Instagram account

Already booked for his own return to fighting, Sao Paulo native, Pereira is slated to headline UFC 307 at the beginning of October, taking on surging knockout artist, Khalil Rountree, in a bid to defend his light heavyweight crown for the third time this year alone.

In his most recent middleweight walk, Pereira dropped a stunning second round KO defeat to the previously noted, Adesanya at the beginning of last year in the pair’s heated re-run in Miami, Florida. 

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While du Plessis addressed a potential matchup with Brazilian superstar, Pereira, his coach suggested the two share the Octagon at UFC 310 in December, backing his student to compete for a second divisional crown in a 205lbs move.

Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira gets ‘Special protection’ after UFC 307 booking with Khalil Rountree

Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira gets 'Special protection' after UFC 305 booking with Khalil RountreeFormer undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has alluded to apparent “special” treatment from the promotion toward incumbent gold…

Jan Blachowicz claims Alex Pereira gets 'Special protection' after UFC 305 booking with Khalil Rountree

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has alluded to apparent “special” treatment from the promotion toward incumbent gold holder, Alex Pereira – in response to his matching against surging knockout artist, Khalil Rountree at UFC 305 at the beginning of October. 

Pereira, the current undisputed light heavyweight champion and former middleweight titleholder, is slated to headline UFC 307 later this year in the promotion’s return to Salt Lake City, Utah – taking on surging contender, Rountree in his third defense of the 205lbs crown.

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Receiving a slew of negative comments as a result, former titleholder, Jamahal Hill – who has been vocal in his pursuit of a rematch with Pereira, claimed his booking against Rountree was “bad” for mixed martial arts.

“Can’t believe what I just saw announced!!!” Jamahal Hill posted on his X account. “So a guy pulls out of a contender fight because of (sic) failed drug test for a banned substances (sic) and gets rewarded with a title shot?!! This is terrible for the sport and makes the rankings completely pointless!!!”

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

Jan Blachowicz unhappy with Alex Pereira’s next booking at UFC 307

Echoing those claims, Polish veteran, Blachowicz – who has yet to receive his own matchup as he recovers from shoulder surgery, claimed the Brazilian was receiving “special protection” from the UFC.

Jan Blachowicz

“With all due respect to Khalil but there are at least two higher ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan,” Jan Blachowicz said of Alex Pereira on his official X account. “He doesn’t need special protection.”

In his most recent win, Pereira managed to defend his light heavyweight crown for the second time back in June, landing a dominant second round high-kick knockout win over Jiri Prochazka with a blistering finish in a short-notice main event fight at UFC 303 during International Fight Week. 

Alistair Overeem doubts the future success of Alex Pereira: ‘Not long term for him’

Alistair Overeem doubts the future success of Alex Pereira: ‘Not long term for him’Veteran former UFC heavyweight star, Alistair Overeem has speculated that the current success enjoyed by incumbent light heavyweight champion,…

Alistair Overeem doubts the future success of Alex Pereira: ‘Not long term for him’

Veteran former UFC heavyweight star, Alistair Overeem has speculated that the current success enjoyed by incumbent light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira is not destined to continue for too long. 

Overeem, a former undisputed heavyweight title challenger, made his final Octagon walk over three years ago, suffering a second round knockout loss against fellow European talent, Alexander Volkov.

Since calling time on his combat sports career, Overeem made a brief outing in kickboxing under the GLORY banner, landing an initial knockout win over fellow striking kingpin, Badr Hari, before the result was overturned to an official ‘No Contest’.

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As for Alex Pereira, the fellow former GLORY Kickboxing star – managed to land two titles in the promotion, before going on to mint himself as a two-division champion since his move to the UFC.

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And today booked for his latest outing in the organization, Sao Paulo knockout artist, Pereira is slated to headline UFC 307 at the beginning of October, taking on surging finishing contender, Khalil Rountree in a bid to defend his light heavyweight crown for a third consecutive occasion. 

Alistair Overeem doubts Alex Pereira’s success lasts long term

However, sharing his thoughts on Pereira’s high-profile success in the UFC, Overeem admitted that while the promotional star was “interesting” – he likely claimed his prowess would not last long term.

Alistair Overeem GLORY Suspension Surprised Him
Mandatory Credit: Matt Ferris – GLORY Kickboxing

“He’s interesting,” Alistair Overeem said of Alex Pereira on the Jaxxon Podcast. “Former GLORY (Kickboxer) – impressive resume, I thought. Fought (Israel) Adesanya I think twice over there, followed Adesanya into UFC, and then he’s winning his fights without any grappling, without any ground.”

“So, I kinda looked into it – I don’t see a kind of long term for him,” Alistair Overeem explained. “Because he just doesn’t have that ground. Even though he’s strong, he’s big, but you need to also need to sharp, right? You need to be good – you need to take other people down, it’s important. I mean, he is very good in the stand up, but I don’t know. I’m sceptical.”

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

UFC 307 heralds the MMA promotion’s return to Salt Lake City, Utah, with a stacked fight card lined up for October 5 at the Delta Center. On Friday UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the 11th numbered event will be headlined by light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, who will defend his title for the third […]

Continue Reading Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, ‘Wonderboy’ vs. Joaquin Buckley, & Other Fights Announced For UFC 307 at MMA News.

UFC 307 heralds the MMA promotion’s return to Salt Lake City, Utah, with a stacked fight card lined up for October 5 at the Delta Center.

On Friday UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the 11th numbered event will be headlined by light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, who will defend his title for the third time in 2024, this time against Khalil Rountree.

In the co-main event of UFC 307, reigning women’s bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington puts her title on the line against former 135-pound queen Julianna Peña.

Pennington is set to make her first title defense since capturing the belt by unanimous decision against Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297 in January. The title was vacant at the time, following Amanda Nunes’ retirement.

Meanwhile, Peña is making her long-awaited return to the Octagon after an extended hiatus of over two years. She famously pulled off a major upset with a second-round submission victory over “The Lioness” at UFC 269, only to fall short in their rematch seven months later at UFC 277, losing by unanimous decision.

The undercard of this pay-per-view spectacle will feature an intriguing welterweight showdown between the seasoned Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and the surging Joaquin Buckley. Thompson last competed at UFC 296, where he suffered a second-round submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. On the other hand, “New Mansa” is riding a wave of momentum with a four-fight win streak since dropping down to 170 pounds. His most recent victory came by decision against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Fight Night St. Louis this past May.

What Other Fights Are On The UFC 307 Card?

The UFC 307 fight card is packed with exciting matchups, including the return of former featherweight champion José Aldo, who is set to take on the rapidly rising Mario Bautista in a bantamweight showdown. Another highlight of the night will be the clash between two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka Kayla Harrison and Ketlen Vieira in a pivotal 135-pound bout.

Elsewhere on the card, Kevin Holland is slated to face Roman Dolidze in an intense middleweight showdown. Announced earlier this year, meanwhile, was a clash between undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev and former bantamweight titleholder Aljamain Sterling.

With these additions to the card, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5 are as follows:

  • Alex Pereira (C) vs. Khalil Rountree (light heavyweight championship main event)
  • Raquel Pennington (C) vs. Julianna Peña (women’s bantamweight championship co-main event)
  • Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling (bantamweight)
  • Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley (welterweight)
  • Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison (women’s bantamweight)
  • José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
  • Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington (women’s strawweight)
  • Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland (middleweight)
  • Marina Rodriguez vs. Iasmin Lucindo (women’s strawweight)
  • Ihor Potieria vs. Cesar Almeida (middleweight)

Continue Reading Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, ‘Wonderboy’ vs. Joaquin Buckley, & Other Fights Announced For UFC 307 at MMA News.

Jamahal Hill rips Alex Pereira – Khalil Rountree title fight at UFC 307: ‘This is terrible for the sport’

Jamahal Hill rips Alex Pereira - Jamahal Hill title fight at UFC 307: 'This is terrible for the sport'Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill – who has been vocal in his pursuit of a title rematch…

Jamahal Hill rips Alex Pereira - Jamahal Hill title fight at UFC 307: 'This is terrible for the sport'

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill – who has been vocal in his pursuit of a title rematch with Alex Pereira, has voiced his dismay at the Brazilian’s booking of a title fight with Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307 in Ocotber.

Hill, who currently holds the number three rank in the official light heavyweight division, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 300 back in April, dropping a stunning opening round knockout loss to former two-weight champion, Pereira in the pair’s grudge match title clash.

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And forced to withdraw from UFC 303 during International Fight Week, Illinois striker, Hill saw a pairing with Rountree fall to the wayside amid an anti-doping indiscretion from the latter, before injury ruled the former champion from a matchup with Carlos Ulberg.

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

Jamahal Hill blasts Alex Pereira, Khalil Rountree title fight at UFC 307

This evening, the promotion have now confirmed how an undisputed light heavyweight title fight between Pereira and Rountree will take main event honors at UFC 307 in the organization’s return to Salt Lake City – much to the disappointment of former champion, Hill.

“Can’t believe what I just saw announced!!!” Jamahal Hill posted on his X account. “So a guy pulls out of a contender fight because of (sic) failed drug test for a banned substances (sic) and gets rewarded with a title shot?!! This is terrible for the sport and makes the rankings completely pointless!!!”

Vocal in his pursuit of a title fight rematch with Sao Paulo knockout artist, Pereira off the back of his own defeat earlier this annum, Hill claimed he would manage to stop the Brazilian with his own strikes win if they share the Octagon again – whether or not the title is up for grabs. 

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“I’ll sleep the next guy and then we go again!!!” Jamahal Hill posted in regards to Alex Pereira and his knockout win at UFC 303 on his official social media. “Great win but we are not done!!!”

Stephen Thompson returns in UFC 307 fight with Joaquin Buckley on October 5. in Utah

Stephen Thompson returns in UFC 307 fight with Joaquin Buckley on October 5. in UtahFormer two-time undisputed welterweight title challenger, Stephen Thompson is set to make his return to action on the main…

Stephen Thompson returns in UFC 307 fight with Joaquin Buckley on October 5. in Utah

Former two-time undisputed welterweight title challenger, Stephen Thompson is set to make his return to action on the main card of UFC 307 at the beginning of October in Salt Lake City, Utah – taking on surging contender, Joaquin Buckley at the Delta Center.

Thompson, who still holds the number nine rank in the divisional rankings, most recently suffered a second round rear-naked choke loss to the unbeaten, Shavkat Rakhmonov on the main card of UFC 296 back in December of last year.

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As for Buckley, the former middleweight challenger has landed at number eleven at 170lbs since his most recent win – in the form of a decision success over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Fight Night St. Louis – which marked his fourth straight win since his return to the welterweight limit.

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Stephen Thompson set to fight Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307

UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed the pairing of Stephen Thompson and Joaquin Buckley on the main card of UFC 307 on social media today in an official announcement. 

Furthermore on the card, an official headliner between incumbent light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira and surging knockout artist, Khalil Rountree will take main event honors at UFC 307 – in the Brazilian’s third Octagon walk of the year.

Stephen Thompson vows to cancel UFC fights if opponents miss weight again
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

In the night’s co-main event, newly-crowned undisputed bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington books her first defense of the divisional crown in a title fight against the returning former champion, Julianna Pena.

Without a win since 2022, Simpsonville striker, Stephen Thompson forced a corner stoppage TKO win over common-opponent, Kevin Holland.

Since his return to welterweight back in May of last year, Buckley has landed a quarter of wins over Andre Fialho, Alex Morono, the veteran common-foe, Vicente Luque, as well as the previously mentioned, Ruziboev. 

UFC 307 takes place on October 5. from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.