Alex Pereira is set on reclaiming the middleweight championship title. Despite a successful run as the light heavyweight champion, Pereira has opted to move back to the 185-pound weight class. His primary target is the current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis. However, discussions of potential “champ champ” fights will have to be put on hold as Pereira gears up to face Khalil Rountree Jr. in an upcoming UFC 307 event in Salt Lake City next month.
Meanwhile, the decision to overlook the No. 2-ranked light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev, in the UFC 307 headliner announcement has raised eyebrows. Ankalaev will now be squaring off against Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi.
Pereira has faced criticism for selectively choosing opponents from lower weight divisions. Nevertheless, he has also accepted challenges in higher weight categories. Some observers have voiced concerns that Pereira might be receiving preferential treatment from the UFC. This year, Pereira has stepped in to salvage main events on two occasions. The middleweight title defense by Du Plessis against former champion Sean Strickland adds a layer of uncertainty to a potential clash between Pereira and Du Plessis.
As the situation unfolds, Ankalaev is likely to continue voicing his discontent with the unfolding events.
