‘Now I have to do my job’… Alex Pereira’s expected next opponent shares his reaction to dramatic KO win at UFC 307

Whilst Alex Pereira was a heavy betting favorite heading into UFC 307, the Brazilian superstar still had to show what it means to be a world champion as he battled through illness and injury to earn the dramatic fourth-round finish.

In the aftermath of yet another viral knockout, ‘Poatan’ would acknowledge that he’s looking forward to some well-deserved time away from the sport – as attention now turns to what could be a significant next few weeks for the future of the UFC light heavyweight division.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCPast and future opponents react to Alex Pereira’s UFC 307 title fight victoryAt the UFC 307 post-fight press conference, Alex Pereira would reveal a string of issues that he’d suffered in training for Khalil Rountree Jr, including several severe injuries as well as a prolonged illness.

Given the intense stress caused by a frustrating fight camp and the fact that he’s just successfully defended the 205lb title for the third time this year, Pereira will now enter a well-deserved period of rest and recovery…. But the show must go on.

Thankfully, we already know who Pereira’s next title challenger is most likely going to be; with Dana White recently confirming that if he’s able to get through Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 later this month, the promotion will move to make ‘Poatan’ vs Magomed Ankalaev next.

“Listen, Ankalaev’s ranked number two [so] if he goes out and puts on an unbelievable performance and Alex is still the champion, then he’s next,” White told reporter Kevin Iole prior to UFC 307.

The Russian wrestler, who is riding a 12-fight unbeaten streak, has now come out to congratulate Pereira on his victory in Salt Lake City – noting how it’s now his turn to hold up his end of the deal.

“Congratulations both guys it was a great fight,” Ankalaev wrote on X, adding “I’m glad wudu guy won and now I have to do my job beat Rakic and after that kill the spill.”

That was one of several posts made by top light heavyweight contenders, with former opponents Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz also sharing their thoughts on the title fight: albeit from wildly different perspectives.

EXPLAINED: Conor McGregor declares he won’t watch Pereira’s next fight just seconds after winning $1.2million betCongratulations both guys it was a great fight, I’m glad wudu guy won and now I have to do my job beat Rakic and after that kill the spill

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 6, 2024 View Tweet

“Just got back from Training and saw the main Fight #UFC307. Good taking action in First two rounds from Khalil. Then patience and nonstop action from Alex, Beautiful hunt,” wrote Prochazka, adding how he’s “Back to the Training. Time to EVOLVE.”

Surprisingly, it was the typically mild-mannered Blachowicz who took issue, writing on X: “With all the respect but from the very beginning this fight was like my verdict from my last fight – a f****** joke.”

The Polish veteran is currently the #4 ranked light heavyweight in the world and hasn’t competed in the UFC since dropping a split decision to Pereira back in July 2023.

UFC 307: Dana White reacts to Alex Pereira’s stoppage win, praises Rountree for being ‘another level of tough’With all the respect but from the very begining this fight was like my verdict from my last fight – a f****** joke.

— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) October 6, 2024 View Tweet

Yet the most egregious reaction from any light heavyweight contender came from Jamahal Hill, who was filmed giving an exaggerated ‘yawn’ as Pereira knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr late into the fourth round.

Whilst Hill was quickly slammed by UFC fans for the reaction, it’s safe to say that Pereira got the last laugh. After being asked if he believes Hill’s gesture was meant to indicate that the title fight was boring, Poatan hilariously responded “Yeah, [but] maybe he just woke up from UFC 300.”

WOW: McGregor, White and UFC fans go wild at gnarly post-fight picture of Khalil Rountree JrSo, Alex Pereira’s next opponent could be confirmed by the end of this month, with Aleksandar Rakic vs Magomed Ankalaev set to go down on the main card of UFC 308 – scheduled for October 26 in Abu Dhabi.

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