Alex Pereira defends his UFC light heavyweight title next against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on Oct. 5 in Salt Lake City, and admits he was as surprised as anyone with the booking.
Pereira said Saturday morning on his YouTube channel that he asked UFC to book him against Ankalaev after defending his belt against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300, but the organization ultimately announced Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic for UFC 308, scheduled for Oct.