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UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira (Brazil) will be defending his belt against Khalil Rountree (United States) at UFC 307 on October 5. This is the main event of the fight card.
Pereira has successfully defended his belt twice, first against Jamahal Hill (United States) at UFC 300 and then against Jiri Procházka at UFC 303. UFC 307 would be Pereira’s third title defence.
The Pereira vs Rountree fight has been severely criticised by MMA fans who have pointed out that Magomed Ankalaev (Russia), who is higher than Rountree in the Light Heavyweight rankings, deserves a title shot. Rountree is also facing backlash as he tested positive for a banned substance in May. He was suspended for two months and is now straightaway getting a title fight, fans have pointed out.
In an interview with combat sports journalist Kevin Iole, Rountree said, “If you’re anything but excited about this fight, maybe you got the problem. I don’t think it’s the matchmakers or the company. It’s like if you have a problem with this, I think the problem is yours.”