UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is enjoying a solid four-fight win streak that includes two successful title defenses. His recent victories include wins over Jan Blachowicz, Jiří Procházka twice, and Jamahal Hill.
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Since his ascent to light heavyweight, Pereira has showcased remarkable skills, positioning himself as a leading fighter in the UFC. Rumors have circulated about a possible move up to heavyweight to challenge Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall for the title, but that’s not happening just yet.
In a surprise announcement, Dana White confirmed that Pereira’s next fight will be against Khalil Roundtree Jr. at UFC 307.
The event is scheduled for October 5 at the Delta Center in Utah, with Pereira headlining the card as he defends his title against Roundtree.
Roundtree, who is also on a roll with six consecutive wins since September 2021, last fought on December 9, 2023, defeating Anthony Smith.
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His impressive KO/TKO victories include notable wins over fighters like Modestas Bukauskas, Karl Roberson, Dustin Jacoby, and Chris Daukaus. However, he’s yet to face anyone currently ranked in the light heavyweight top 10, with Smith being his only matchup against a ranked opponent.
This matchup is unusual, as Pereira has faced former champions lately, while Roundtree has fought less prominent opponents. Nevertheless, it presents Roundtree with a golden opportunity to claim the title.
Interestingly, this could be Pereira’s last bout in the light heavyweight division if he indeed decides to move up in weight class following the fight.
If Pereira scores another dominant win like his previous fights, a move to heavyweight might be in the cards.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones is gearing up to face former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, a fight that has been delayed since UFC 295 due to Jones’s injury. With Miocic and Jones’ fight on the horizon, it’s uncertain whether either fighter might retire afterward. Aspinall, having just defended his interim heavyweight title, could be next in line for Jones or another title shot.
For now, all eyes will be on Pereira as he prepares to defend his title against Roundtree this October.