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.
Pereira made his octagon debut in November with a brutal knockout victory over Andreas Michailidis at UFC 268 in New York. He followed that up with a unanimous decision over Bruno Silva at UFC Fight Night 203 in March.
Now the Brazilian gets a huge leap with the fight against Strickland, who has won his past six fights. His winning streak includes Jack Hermansson, Uriah Hall, Brendan Allen and more.
