Dana White, the outspoken CEO of the UFC, recently shed light on a decision that left many fight fans scratching their heads. The burning question: Why is Khalil Rountree Jr. getting a title shot against Alex Pereira at UFC 307, while the higher-ranked Magomed Ankalaev seemingly got passed over?
In a recent DWCS press conference, White addressed this head-on. He explained that timing played a crucial role in this matchmaking puzzle. The UFC CEO emphasized that the UFC had to make decisions quickly to fill out the UFC 307 card.
”He [Ankalaev] didn’t get skipped over, he’s got a fight coming up. We were laying the fights out now, Ankalaev’s got a fight lined up, go in there, do your thing, look great, obvisouly you’re next. ‘We had to make this fight card and as you go down the line you start looking at it, it’s clear Rountree makes a lot of sense…Timing is everything,” said White.
Khalil Rountree, currently ranked 8th in the division, has been on a tear lately. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, with 4 of his last five wins coming by way of KO/TKO. Magomed Ankalaev, on the other hand, hasn’t lost a fight since March 2018.
This matchup confirms that in the ever-changing landscape of MMA, timing truly is everything. Dana White’s decision may raise eyebrows now, but only time will tell if it was the right call. One thing’s for sure: Fight fans are in for a treat in October.
Khalil Rountree Jr. Will Keep The Fight Standing Against Alex Pereira
Khalil Rountree Jr. is set to face champion Alex Pereira at UFC 307. Surprisingly, Rountree has vowed to keep the fight going against one of the sport’s most feared strikers. This declaration may surprise many fans.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Rountree, known for his explosive striking, recently made waves with a bold declaration. In an interview with ‘The Schmo,’ he stated emphatically that he wouldn’t attempt a single takedown. It’s a strategy that might make some fighters’ coaches pull their hair out. But for Rountree, it’s simply staying true to his style.
The fight promises to be a striking enthusiast’s dream come true. Two knockout artists, committed to stand-up warfare, locked in an octagon. It’s like watching two human-wrecking balls collide. The potential for fireworks is off the charts.
