Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight belt for the third time this year against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. Ahead of the fight, fan-favorite Pereira is expected to take another win via a finish. Many opponents faced a brutal end when they chose to stand and strike with ‘Poatan.’ Despite the obvious striking danger, challenger Rountree firmly believes he does not need a style switch-up.
Alex Pereira has finished the last three fights via KO/TKP on the feet in the early rounds. The only fight that went deep and ended in a split decision came against Jan Blachowicz, who used wrestling against Pereira. Fearless in his nature, the title challenger doesn’t think grappling is necessary. According to Rountree, that’s not his style, and he will keep the fight on the feet at UFC 307.
My grappling is good, my wrestling is decent but that’s just not me, that’s not my instinct you know, and so like why would I put myself in harms way to try to secure this victory when that’s just not me you
Khalil Rountree via Michael Bisping’s YouTube channel
Rountree mentioned that in his decade-long UFC career, he has never shot for a takedown and would maintain that. It doesn’t make sense for a fighter to switch their style suddenly for one fight. The Muay Thai specialist also expressed that he will not allow his coaches to formulate a wrestling-heavy approach. Rountree believes his skills are much more important.
😲👊Khalil Rountree says he isn’t going to change his fight style against Alex Periera:
“My grappling is good, my wrestling is decent but that’s just not me, that’s not my instinct you know, and so like why would I put myself in harms way to try to secure this victory when… pic.twitter.com/6bpkYjqtRL
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 29, 2024
Rountree has nine knockout victories, of which seven came in the UFC. The title challenger is currently on a five-fight win streak with dominant finishes over Anthony Smith, Chris Daukaus, etc. The leg kicks and oblique kicks might play a vital role for Rountree. Going into UFC 307, fans expect a brutal slugfest, and that’s exactly what Rountree has planned.
Why does Khalil Rountree vs. Alex Pereira make sense?
After UFC 303, many thought the next opponent for Alex Pereira would be Magomed Ankalaev. Both fighters had also shared some online insults, which further solidified the theory. However, UFC had some other plans. Out of nowhere, Khalil Rountree was given the opportunity, which was shocking for some fans given the fighter’s recent suspension.
Khalil Rountree previews his fight with Alex Pereira (via X)According to some experts, Pereira will walk through Rountree with ease. However, for the challenger, win or loss doesn’t matter. The aim remains to go out there and prove his mettle. In an interview, Rountree explained his reasons for fighting Pereira and promised fans an entertaining fight.
You have two of the most explosive, dangerous strikers in the division. He’s at his best, I’m at my best and no one can stop him and right now it’s shown that no one can stop me either.
Khalil Rountree via JAXXON Podcast
Pereira’s ‘touch of death’ has proven to be lethal against some of the best fighters in the promotion. On the other hand, Rountree is in red-hot form and is ready to stand and bang. Given the circumstances, seeing an early knockout at UFC 307 won’t be surprising.
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