The first of two numbered UFC events in October will take place Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. UFC 307 sees champion Alex Pereira return for another 205lbs title defense. In the main event, he meets one of the most proficient strikers in the division – Khalil Rountree. With another title fight, ‘Poatan’ is poised to break a unique record, one belonging to Ronda Rousey.
Women’s bantamweight champ Raquel Pennington meets Julianna Peña in a long-awaited clash in the feature co-mains. But nothing beats yet another calendar appearance from Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira. When he enters Saturday’s UFC 307, Pereira will tie for most appearances since October 2021. He’ll also give Ronda Rousey a run for her money!
Pereira’s eight MMA fights before becoming UFC champion are the second-fewest in modern history behind Brock Lesnar’s four. The 37-year-old also becomes the first to compete in a ginormous three UFC championship fights in 2024. Pereira can accordingly set a new record of 175 days between UFC title defenses. WMMA pioneer Ronda Rousey currently holds the feat at 189 days.
Pereira has never been as big of a favorite as he will be vs. Khalil Rountree. In fact, despite dominating since he arrived less than three years ago, “Poatan” has been underdogs as often. However, a 5-1 favorite, people are now getting aboard the hype train after consecutive shock KO wins. Adding to it are his aura, pitching on short notice, and honorable build-ups. Concurrently, he is up for some more records.
UFC 307 pre-event facts: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree
Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira is one of nine fighters in history to win double-dip championships. Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, Amanda Nunes, and Jon Jones have all achieved the feat. While McGregor was the only consecutive champ in this exclusive club, Pereira was the quickest. Many pundits, his coaches, and fans believe he can be a prize candidate for a triple title dip soon.
Pereira’s 11 MMA fights before becoming a two-division champ are the fewest in the company’s history. Additionally, he can become the seventh fighter to log three UFC title defenses in a calendar year. Frank Shamrock ( 1998 ), Tito Ortiz ( 2001 ), Matt Hughes ( 2002 ), Chuck Liddell ( 2006 ), Demetrious Johnson ( 2013 ), and Kamaru Usman ( 2021 ) have also achieved this feat.
Pereira’s two defended UFC titles in a row is second only to Islam Makhachev’s three. Come UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree, and that’s only on the up. The light heavyweight champion is 4-0 since he moved up in July 2023. Up until now, he has defeated 5 former champs and has been on a tear through both his divisions.
Meanwhile, Rountree’s five-fight UFC winning streak at light heavyweight is just above Pereira’s. ‘War Horse’ and his 13 knockdowns landed are a high stat at 205. He has also had a fight bonus streak going on. All in all, come this weekend, this could be a matchup of ages.
