As UFC fans gear up for an electrifying showdown, Khalil Rountree emerges as the underdog in the title bout. Entering the fight as a +350 underdog, Rountree is set to face former middleweight champion Alex Pereira. Pereira is opening as a -450 favorite. Despite the odds, Rountreeโs confidence has UFC insiders buzzing about a potential upset. The venue? Salt Lake City, Utahโwhere anything can happen.
Utah is known for its craziness, as it hosted โthatโ incredible head kick KO of Kamaru Usman against Leon Edwards at UFC 278. This was a major upset at the time, as Edwards clinched the title in the very last round against the betting favorite Usman. Recently, on his show with Henry Cejudo, Usman predicted a very similar outcome for the reigning UFC light heavyweight champ.
Pereira moved up to the light heavyweight division last year, which poses a significant challenge. His lethal striking and championship pedigree make him a formidable opponent. His recent knockout of light heavyweight challenger Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 shocked the world.
โก๏ธ๐ณ Kamaru Usman chose Khalil Rountree to beat Alex Pereira.
“When [Khalil Rountree] launches them, he’s gonna find your face.”
๐ฅ @pound4poundshow โซ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/bNtuipGhsE
โ Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 30, 2024
Pereira has also recently asked Rountree to bet UFC 307 purse to a bet over a โno takedownsโ pact. In a matchup against the best strikers in the division, the fight is promised a knockout early doors. But Usman isnโt the only one who believes this huge upset to happen.
Chael Sonnen predicts a similar outcome for Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree
Chael Sonnen has long been regarded as one of the greatest talkers in MMA history. His insights on fights, fighters, and controversial moments have made him a standout personality in the sport. However, his latest prediction for the upcoming title fight between UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and No. 8-ranked Khalil Rountree might be his boldest one yet.
Alex Pereiraโs technical skills are undeniable. Rountreeโs ability to land a fight-ending punch makes him a dangerous underdog. Despite Pereiraโs proven track record, Sonnen recently discussed the upcoming light heavyweight bout on the Good Guy/Bad Guy show. He pointed out key factors that could determine the outcome.
Pereira plans to move to middleweight yet again despite the result. He has issued multiple callouts of champion Dricus Du Plessis. With the middleweight champion in mind, one must wonder if Pereira may have overlooked Rountree. Training partner Sean Strickland doesnโt think so. However, notable names like Usman and Sonnen do. As such, what will happen at UFC 307 remains to be seen.