UFC sensation Khamzat Chimaev and current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira have not been known for friendly exchanges, with tensions between the two stars often running high. However, following UFC 307’s headline event in Salt Lake City, Chimaev took many by surprise as he publicly congratulated the Brazilian champion. Pereira’s victory over top-ranked UFC prospect Khalil Rountree Jr., a stunning TKO win, solidified his position as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division.

Chimaev’s Return to Action at UFC 308

Looking ahead, Chimaev is preparing for his next highly anticipated bout, which will take place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26. The 30-year-old fighter is set to square off against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of the evening. Chimaev has not competed since his significant victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Originally, Chimaev and Whittaker were expected to clash at UFC Saudi earlier this year, but an illness forced Chimaev to withdraw from the match. As a result, Whittaker faced rising star Ikram Aliskerov on short notice and secured a first-round TKO victory.

Chimaev’s upcoming fight against Whittaker represents a crucial moment in his career. Many consider this bout to be a defining test of his skills at middleweight, a division where he has yet to be fully proven. Whittaker, a seasoned veteran, brings a wealth of experience and resilience, making this fight one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.

Pereira’s Future Opponents and Light Heavyweight Title Defense

Meanwhile, attention is also turning to what lies ahead for Alex Pereira. Following his impressive UFC 307 performance, speculation has begun to swirl about who the Brazilian powerhouse will face in his next title defense. Rumors suggest that top-ranked Russian contender Magomed Ankalaev could be Pereira’s next challenger. Ankalaev is a formidable opponent, known for his wrestling prowess and striking skills, which would make for an intriguing stylistic matchup against Pereira.

However, Ankalaev is set to face another rising star, Aleksandar Rakic, at UFC 308. Depending on the outcome of that fight, it could determine who gets the next shot at Pereira’s light heavyweight crown. The division is stacked with talent, and Pereira’s reign at the top is sure to be challenged by several hungry contenders eager to dethrone him.

Full UFC 307 Results Featuring Alex Pereira’s Victory

Main Card: (started at 9:00 PM ET)

Light Heavyweight (Title Fight): Alex Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. via TKO (Round 4, 4:32)
Women’s Bantamweight (Title Fight): Julianna Pena defeated Raquel Pennington via split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)
Bantamweight: Mario Bautista defeated Jose Aldo via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Middleweight: Roman Dolidze defeated Kevin Holland via TKO (injury, Round 1, 5:00)
Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison defeated Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Prelims: (started at 7:00 PM ET)

Welterweight: Joaquin Buckley defeated Stephen Thompson via KO (Round 3, 2:17)
Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo defeated Marina Rodriguez via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez defeated Austin Hubbard via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
Middleweight: Cesar Almeida defeated Ihor Potieria via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Early Prelims: (started at 6:00 PM ET)

Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann defeated Ovince St Preux via submission (guillotine choke, Round 1, 1:35)
Women’s Strawweight: Tecia Pennington defeated Carla Esparza via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight: Court McGee defeated Tim Means via submission (rear-naked choke, Round 1, 3:19)

Sources: MMAnytt.se

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