Alex Pereira appears to be in a forgiving mood ahead of UFC 307.

The UFC light-heavyweight champion will put his belt on the line against surging contender Khalil Rountree Jr. at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday night.

Pereira is one of the biggest stars on the UFC rosterGetty

Before that, he’s got to take part in several interviews to promote the fight.

ESPN took a risk by sending Anthony Smith to speak with Pereira.

‘Lionheart’ is a top light-heavyweight contender, and he previously claimed that he would be able to submit Pereira with ease given their stylistic differences.

The champion was so confident in his ground game that he proposed they face off in a $50,000 grappling match that would start with Smith in a dominant position.

“I make a bet with Anthony Smith,” Pereira said in May.  

“I let him take my back with hooks in and give him five minutes to finish me.

“We can bet. He said I’d win a $50,000 bonus, he said it was a sure thing.”

Smith appeared to be up for the grappling match, but their beef went quiet as Pereira continued his dominant run at the king of UFC 205lb fighters.

However, they came together for what could’ve been an awkward interview.

Pereira made sure to show there were no hard feelings as he shook Smith’s hand and hugged him before handing the American a T-shirt with his logo on it.

The beef was squashed as soon as Pereira and Smith metESPN MMA – YOUTUBE

And again at the end of their conversationESPN MMA – YOUTUBE

“First of all, thanks for doing this,” Smith told Pereira in the interview.

“I don’t think a lot of people are probably expecting you to have a sit-down conversation with me, I would imagine.”

Pereira replied: “Some people can’t imagine it because sometimes we talk a bit of trash on the internet or even because of a rivalry.

“Even with people that I’ve already fought I always try to bring close to me because I am a guy who’s evolving. I think these people can help me and I make the most of it.”

The conversation moved away from their relationship and towards UFC 307.

Both men ended their chat the way they started it, with complete respect.

“Thank you for doing this and having a sit-down with me,” Smith said. “Aside from a competitive rivalry, or whatever it was before, I’ve got a lot of respect for you.

“I’m a big fan of your game and I love watching you fight, best of luck here in Salt Lake City and I really appreciate you and your whole team.”

Pereira responded: “I am thankful to you for reaching out.

“Ever since you spoke to Glover [Teixeira], I don’t think there is any malice, there’s no bitterness about the back and forth that we had.

“Today, I’m much better, I feel really good.”