Dana White’s most recent shocking revelation has the UFC community in a frenzy. In October, UFC 307’s main event features reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defending his title against Khalil Rowntree. Fans have been anticipating this battle for a long time, especially since the main event of the Salt Lake City program was announced. White’s decision has undoubtedly set the setting for an exciting bout, especially with so many fights already announced but without the star power to steal the show.
The Ascent of Pereira to the Top
Ever since moving up from middleweight, “Poatan,” also known as Alex Pereira, has developed into a very dangerous opponent. He successfully defended his 205-pound title twice after winning at UFC 295 in November of last year. Pereira became recognized as one of the top fighters in the division by winning against past opponents Jiri Prochazka and Jamahl Hill. Khalil Rowntree is currently one of his formidable opponents.
Rowntree, often known as “War Horse,” is not to be taken lightly. With devastating and striking power, Rowntree has finished four of his past five opponents, and he is riding high on a wave of momentum. His most recent highlight-reel knockout of Anthony Smith has strengthened his standing as a formidable opponent in the division even more. Given that Pereira and Rowntree are both capable of knockouts, their UFC 307 bout appears to be a titans of striking battle.
Amidst false rumors of a potential superfight between Alex Pereira and John Jones for the heavyweight title, the announcement also concludes. Although fans had been making predictions about this ideal match, White’s choice to schedule Pereira vs. Pereira was well-received. Rowntree successfully put an end to any immediate hope for that war.
Although many think this fight could spark something, others may be surprised that Rowntree was chosen as the opponent. Earlier this year, “War Horse” was supposed to compete against Jamahl Hill in the co-main event of UFC 303. But after consuming tainted food, he was compelled to leave that fight. Rowntree is now even more fit and has a chance to win the UFC belt.
The Odd One out
While many fans and fighters were happy to hear that Pereira and Rowntree would be joining the ranks, some were not, most notably Magomed Ankalayev. The only opponent in the top five who hasn’t defeated Pereira and isn’t coming off a loss is the current #2-ranked lightweight champion from Dagestani. Many believed that Ankalaev would be the next candidate for the title because of his amazing twelve-fight winning streak.
Ankalayev was left out in the cold when Dana White selected Rowntree to be Pereira’s next opponent. This decision has been controversial; some believe the UFC is protecting Pereira from Ankalayev, whose strength in the ring could expose Pereira’s real weaknesses. Some argue that the UFC is taking advantage of the champion’s advantages by matching Pereira with a different striker, instead of giving Ankalev the fair shot.
To exacerbate the situation, Ankalayev will face #5 ranked fighter Alexander Rakic at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi at the end of October. This bout has an apparent outcome, just like every other MMA match: Anklev would lose and would no longer be eligible to compete for the title, at least not for some time. This has caused a great deal of conjecture and discussion among specialists and devotees over the UFC’s impartiality.
