Alex Poatan admits he didn't expect to fight Khalil Rountree, but praises him: 'He deserves it'

Poatan considers Rountree a worthy opponent / UFC Reproduction

Like many, Alex Poatán was caught by surprise in defending the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) at UFC 307 against Khalil rountree. The Brazilian's statement was one of the highlights in the half day, this Wednesday (2). With names like Magomed Ankalayev Among the title contenders, the call-up of Rountree, currently ranked 8th in the official UFC rankings, came as a surprise.

“No, I didn’t imagine it. I think in the previous fight he mentioned my name, but he was way down in the rankings, so it didn’t come to mind, but you have to prepare for it,” Poatan revealed.

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Although Rountree is not among the top five in the division, the American is on a five-fight winning streak, four of which were by submission. And it is because of his opponent's current form that Poatan considers him a worthy opponent.

“He deserves it. The same thing happened to me. He kind of jumped up in the rankings, but it’s because of the work he does. I work like that too, I keep beating some guys and then the opportunity presents itself,” added the Brazilian.

UFC 307

Poatan defends the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) against Khalil rountree No. UFC 307, which takes place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The event also features a bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) belt fight between Rachel Pennington e Julianna Pena.