UFC finalizing middleweight bout between Sean Strickland, Alex Pereira in July, sources say

The UFC is finalizing a middleweight bout between Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira in July, multiple sources told ESPN.

Contacts have not been signed but both sides have agreed to the 185-pound matchup. It will take place on what is expected to be a UFC 277 pay-per-view on July 30. The UFC has not officially announced an event or location on that date.

Strickland (25-3) is riding a six-fight win streak, including back-to-back headliner appearances against Uriah Hall and Jack Hermansson. Originally from California, Strickland currently trains out of Las Vegas. He is the UFC's No. 4-ranked middleweight.

Pereira (5-1), of Brazil, is a former kickboxing world champion at multiple weight classes. He transitioned from kickboxing to MMA full time in 2021, when he signed with the UFC. The 34-year-old is 2-0 inside the Octagon, with wins over Andreas Michailidis and Bruno Silva.

Pereira has a notable history with current UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The two met in the GLORY kickboxing ring in 2016 and 2017. Pereira won both matches, including a knockout victory in the second meeting.

Adesanya (22-1) is expected to defend his title against Jared Cannonier next, although there is no official date for that title fight.