Despite being the No. 2 ranked contender at light heavyweight, Magomed Ankalaev will not fight for the division’s top prize.
In a shocking twist, Dana White announced that reigning titleholder Alex Pereira will headline the promotion’s return to Salt Lake City on October 5. But instead of defending his gold against the man everybody thought was next in line, he’ll meet surging knockout artist Khalil Rountree. Suffice it to say, reactions to the matchup were mixed.
While some pundits were quick to praise the pairing, believing it’ll give fight fans a guaranteed banger, others called the matchmaking nonsensical, including ex-champion Jamahal Hill.