Alex Pereira didn't expect to defend title at UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree: 'He was far behind in the ranks'

SALT LAKE CITY – Like many, Alex Pereira was caught off guard by Khalil Rountree’s shot at the UFC light heavyweight belt.

“Poatan” is set to defend his belt this Saturday in the main event of UFC 307 at Delta Center (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+) against Rountree (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) – who sits at No. 8 in the UFC official rankings. Many thought Magomed Ankalaev was getting the shot, and were surprised to see Rountree get the call, including Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC).

“No, I did not envision that,” Pereira said at Wednesday’s UFC 307 media day. “I think in his previous fight the mentioned my name, but he was far behind in the ranks, so it didn’t comet to mind, but you have to prepare for him.”

Although Rountree isn’t in the top-five of the division, he is on a five-fight winning streak with four stoppage victories, which is why Pereira finds him to be a worthy opponent.

“He does deserve it,” Pereira said. “The same happened with me. He kind of jumped on the rankings, but is due to the work that he puts in. I put the work like that too, keep beating some guys and then the opportunity presents.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.