The fast-track to the top of the middleweight division is officially on for Alex Pereira.
Pereira (5-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who is known for his multiple kickboxing wins over reigning UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya, will fight top-ranked contender Sean Strickland (25-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in what will his third octagon appearance at UFC 277 on July 30.
MMA Junkie verified verbal agreements for the matchup are in place with multiple people close to the situation following an initial report from ESPN. The people requested anonymity because the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.