‘This Is Terrible For The Sport’
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world was left to scratch its collective head on Friday when UFC CEO, Dana White, announced that reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, will defend his title next against, Khalil Rountree Jr., at UFC 307 on Oct. 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
While Rountree is a fine fighter coming off five-straight wins inside of the Octagon, he’s only ranked No. 8 in the division and was just kicked off UFC 303 earlier this year due to banned substances. It makes zero sense to catapult him to a title shot against one of the hottest fighters in the sport right now.
After all, Magomed Ankalaev has been waiting for his next title shot after fighting Jan Blachowicz to a draw for the vacant belt back in Dec. 2022.
In any case, UFC matchmakers felt like Rountree was a good choice to be Pereira’s next opponent. The fight itself should be an entertaining war of strikers capable of delivering a highlight-reel finish, but there was little reason why Rountree deserved this title shot and that’s why the MMA community is all worked up.
After White’s UFC 307 announcement video, UFC fighters and fans of the sport took to social media to voice their opinions. This included former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill, who was absolutely furious to see Rountree step in against “Poatan.”
Check out the reaction below:
Can’t believe what I just saw announced!!! So a guy pulls out of a contender fight because of failed drug test for a banned substances and gets rewarded with a title shot?!! This is terrible for the sport and makes the rankings completely pointless!!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) August 16, 2024
I Received a lot of messages today regarding the Light Heavyweight title fight, my job is to smash people’s face who they put in front of me, I will destroy Rakic in Abu Dhabi and I will not be denied, I don’t need nobody to feel bad for me @danawhite @Mickmaynard2
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 16, 2024
Why is Jamahal Hill crying? Pereira just made you sleep, get back in the like and work your way up or be ready for Abu Dhabi because Rakic may pull out
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 16, 2024
With all due respect to Khalil but there are at least two higher ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan. He doesn’t need special protection.
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) August 16, 2024
This is insanely stupid and Alex Pereira is my favorite fighter.
You dubbed Anakalev, didn’t even give Pereira the contract to sign to fight him, just to fight Rountree coming off a win against Smith? https://t.co/g9ctc9G1GY
— Aj (@AjDuxche) August 16, 2024
The promotional ducking of Ankalaev is crazy. It’s the bad style matchups that build your legacy in this “sport.” Booking the actual #1 contender 2 weeks later making him unavailable Oct 5th wasn’t some coincidence.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 16, 2024
Khalil Rountree waking up this morning and finding out he’s got a title shot #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/mRTB9RDJ99
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) August 16, 2024
Khalil Rountree Jr is fighting for a title, the man who lost to Marcin Prachnio and Ion Cutelaba is fighting for the title
— Maya ☘️ (@mayaxordonez) August 16, 2024
Rountree??
If beating Anthony Smith gets you a title shot, Ankalaev should’ve fought for a belt 2 years ago…
What is this cherry picking and blatant ducking from Pereira? https://t.co/taOeK7hQIL
— Homelander MMA (@HomelanderMMA) August 16, 2024
Love it. Khalil has won his last 5 in a row. People will cry for Magomed Ankalaev. Both deserve a shot. This fight is a lot more fun. Take my money. https://t.co/gaZFbT1xOh
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) August 16, 2024
So let me get this straight you mean to tell me I’ve witnessed:
– a Sean Strickland title reign
– a Driscus Du Plessis title reign
– a Belal Muhammad title reign
– a Raquel Pennington title reign
– a Jamahal Hill title reign
– a Carla Esparza title reign
– a Khalil Rountree…— DMT (@Dmt__UTD) August 16, 2024
Khalil Rountree lmao.
Funniest part is he may clip Pereira too.
Imagine the scenes.— The Legend of MagicM MMA (@MagicM_MMABets) August 16, 2024
The UFC are undermining the belts with these undeserved title shots. How does a win over 2023 Anthony Smith get you a title fight? https://t.co/VBVtreloAv
— Ocelot MMA (@Ocelot_MMA) August 16, 2024
That has to be one of the more surprising title fights in recent memory. It’s legitimately guaranteed violence, so that’s a plus. At the same time, Magomed Ankalaev should’ve been next, imo #UFC307
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) August 16, 2024
For more UFC 307 fight card news click HERE.
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/8/16/24221896/mma-universe-reacts-pereira-vs-rountree-ufc-307-title-fight-this-is-terrible-for-the-sport-white