In an epic showdown at UFC 307 Alex Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree to remain the undisputed light heavyweight at UFC 307. Alex Pereira made history at UFC 307 by defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. to retain his light heavyweight title, and in the process setting a new UFC record for the shortest interval between three consecutive title defenses-175 days. American Rountree posed a problem in the early going for Pereira, and a right-hand counter from an awkward angle briefly dropped the Brazilian in the second round. Despite being knocked down in the second round, Pereira rallied to win by technical knockout in the fourth round with a powerful uppercut. This victory marked his fourth consecutive stoppage win, solidifying his reputation as a formidable striker. Pereira, now 12-2, plans to remain in the 205-pound division.
Alex Pereira Plans to Remain in the 205 Division
Alex Pereira had shown desire to be a simultaneous two division champion by taking down middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. Alex Pereira was quoted as saying, “I’m focused on my next fight and I’m going prepared but you never know what can happen, so regardless of the result, I want to go down one more time to the middleweight and go for the belt. Hey Dricus, bring your will to fight me so you can prove that you are better than me, with your public statement it is easy to make this happen, Chama.”
However, in the post fight remarks Alex Pereira noted that since Sean Strickland will be fighting Dricus and he is a training partner of Alex Pereira he does not want to get in his way. Further, he clarified that he can move up to heavyweight but light heavyweight was great. “I feel great with this weight cut”
Khalil Rountree Busted Open From Strikes leaving him Bruised and Bloodied
The challenger Khalil Rountree put up a stiff fight early, but ultimately, the champ retained by stopping Rountree (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) with a hellacious flurry at 4:32 of Round 4. Both landed well-placed countershots early in the fight. Pereira kept Rountree guessing with kicks, while the champ only dealt with punches coming in his direction in a competitive first round. Rountree was busted open from strikes, and a jumping knee from Pereira prompted a heavy forward-pressure attack to seal the third round.
Bruised and bloodied in Round 4, Pereira continued to pick apart his opponent with sharp single strikes while trying to evade the return punches. Pereira turned up the pressure as Rountree began to back away, drawing out a wild firefight.
Pereira, 37, became the light heavyweight champ by stopping former champ Jiri Prochazka in the second round at UFC 295. He went on to pick up his first title defense in April at UFC 295 on short notice by finishing former title holder Jamahal Hill in the first round. “Poatan” stepped up to save the day again at UFC 303 in June, where he defeated Prochazka in a rematch.
Rountree, 34, was an unlikely challenger but, despite the loss, gave the champ a run for his money. He sees his five-fight winning streak come to an end in his first UFC title opportunity.
Khalil Rountree sends message to Alex Pereira following their fight at UFC 307:
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) October 6, 2024
“Thanks for helping me see that I’m ready to take on the world. You showed amazing skill, you brought a version of me that I needed to experience. You’re the champion for a reason, much respect.”… pic.twitter.com/WMHtQJQPAT
