Away from the fight, Conor McGregor is hitting the crystals again (No; not that kind). He’s hitting the crystal ball — and the “Mystic Mac” prediction is in for UFC 307 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view. It looks like McGregor had decided to go with Alex Pereira, against Khalil Rountree. Whatever way anything at 205lbs was to go, ‘Mac’ is backing the idea of Pereira vs. Jon Jones next!
Conor McGregor knows the sweet fruits of the labor of being a double-division champ. Jon Jones too was a dominant force at 205lbs, much like Pereira, before moving up. ‘Poatan’ has been enjoying massive success after his shock KO treatments at UFC 295, 300, and 303 PPVs. After the last two, he became a rare candidate for a likely triple-division dip and even wished to move up. Ever since. ‘Bones’ vs. the Brazilian has been a go-to notion.
I lean Pereira, on form, big, accurate, powerful…Something tells me this will be a test! Pereira is just about ready for heavyweight now imo. Him Vs Jones would be amazing to watch! A chance to go 3 weight. Could be spoiled tomorrow night however, don’t be surprised. Let’s go!
Conor McGregor via X (@TheNotoriousMMA)
Pereira put his 205-pound title on the line for the third time in a row against Khalil Rountree. He’s been the most prolific champ over the past year. rapidly becoming one of the most marketable and active fighters. Another win this weekend at UFC 307 is only a step up the ladder for ‘Poatan’. Consequently, cleaning out his division for good catapults him to a scrap vs. Jon Jones, per UFC CEO Dana White’s criteria.
Conor McGregor is leaning towards Alex Pereira getting the win tomorrow night at #UFC307, and says he wants to see Alex Pereira vs Jon Jones 👀
“I lean Pereira, on form, big, accurate, powerful. But Khalil has characteristics that could cause major danger!…
[Alex] vs Jones… pic.twitter.com/u4693onqzg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 4, 2024
Consensus superstar Conor McGregor is up for such a domination. Already a No. 1 P4P in the latest unofficial Sportsnet/USA TODAY Sports/SBNation Network and other publication sites, Pereira is a top draw. He also made big bucks as a last-minute replacement bout instead of Conor McGregor at UFC 303. But there’s no malice here. Extending his title fight win streak to four would especially make a Jon Jones match one for ages.
Alex Pereira didn’t expect to defend title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307
Like so many others, Alex Pereira was caught off guard by Khalil Rountree’s bid for the light heavyweight belt. In a scenario where he is on the rumor mill for names like even a weight above, like Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones, this was unlikely. Especially given that Rountree tested positive for a banned substance called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Khalil Rountree (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) – at No. 8 in the UFC official listings, was really an unlikely candidate. Many thought Magomed Ankalaev would get the kick and were surprised Rountree got it, including Pereira.
No, I did not envision that, …I think in his previous fight he mentioned my name, but he was far behind in the ranks, so it didn’t comet to mind, but you have to prepare for him.
Alex Pereira during Wednesday’s UFC 307 pre-fight media day
Although Rountree wasn’t in the top five of the division, he entered the foray strong. Before UFC 307, he went on a neat five-fight winning streak with four stoppage victories. Hence, even “stone hand” Alex Pereira found him to be a stylistically worthy challenge.
