Brazil's Alex Pereira, left, punches Czech Republic's Jiri Prochazka during the second round of a light heavyweight title bout at the UFC 295. Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP
He's the most feared man in the division, and now the most active fighter on the roster.
Alex 'Poatan' Pereira will once again step into the octagon to main event a UFC card on Sunday, his tenth bout since November 2021.
The Brazilian kickboxer has taken the sport by storm since his debut, winning titles in two weight divisions and going 8-1 in the UFC, his sole loss coming against his great rival, Israel Adesanya.
Pereira meets Khalil Rountree Jr. for the 205 pound strap at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.
Rountree is ranked eighth in the division, and is riding a five fight win streak dating back to September 202, his last two finishes coming via knockout.
The MMA community has been vocal in his disdain for the match-up, arguing number one contender Magomed Ankalaev should have been next in line for a shot at Poatan.
Regardless of whether or not 'the War Horse' deserves the title fight, Roundtree is guaranteed to stand and trade with Pereira.
Roundtree has nine career knockouts and has never attempted a takedown in the octagon.
Pereira meanwhile has been tearing through the promotion, sending some of the biggest names in the game to the shadow realm with his unprecedented power.
At Friday's pre-fight press conference, the champion talked up the credentials of the challenger.
"Khalil is up there, you can't deny that, he's a great striker."
Roundtree was adamant he wouldn't be looking to grapple the champ.
"I've worked myself hard enough to get to this point, it would not make sense to completely switch who I am for this win. I have the scariest man in the division, but I'm going to continue to work, as big as this moment is for me I know its not the end."
He promised fireworks come Sunday.
"You have two of the best strikers in the world going at it, it's MMA, anything can happen."
His third defence of 2024 after winning the vacant title in November, Pereira said he had no intention of slowing down.
"Fans pay and want to see fights and I deliver fights."
Follow the main event of UFC 307 on RNZ's liveblog from 4.30pm.
