UFC 307 Preview: Pereira vs. Rountree Jr. Headlines Title Defense in Salt Lake City
Alex Pereira is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight title for the third time this year when he faces Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC 307. The highly anticipated showdown will take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday night. The main card kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV, following the prelims at 8 p.m. on ESPNews/ESPN+, with early prelims beginning at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
Pereira, currently ranked No. 2 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, has been on a dominant run in 2024, with each of his last three title defenses ending in knockouts. The Brazilian powerhouse has cemented himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC, known for his lethal striking and knockout power. However, despite Pereira’s formidable reputation, Khalil Rountree Jr. has not shied away from the challenge, confidently stating his intention to keep the fight standing, playing to his own striking strengths.
Rountree, ranked No. 7 in ESPN’s divisional rankings, enters this fight riding an impressive five-fight winning streak. His last two victories have come via knockout, making him a legitimate threat to Pereira’s reign. With both fighters known for their striking prowess, fans are anticipating an all-out stand-up battle between the two heavy hitters.
In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington will put her women’s bantamweight title on the line against former champion Julianna Peña. Pennington has been on a tear in the division, boasting a six-fight winning streak that dates back to January 2020. This fight marks Pennington’s first title defense since capturing the belt. Her opponent, Peña, has been out of action since losing the title to Amanda Nunes in a rematch in July 2022. With both women eager to prove their dominance in the division, this co-main event promises to deliver high-stakes drama.
Expert Insights and Analysis
To offer expert analysis on the main event, ESPN’s Andreas Hale spoke with retired UFC welterweight and current UFC analyst Alan Jouban. Jouban, who has seen his fair share of high-level fights, provided his thoughts on how Alex Pereira can come out on top against the dangerous Khalil Rountree Jr.
Alan Jouban on Pereira’s Strategy:
“How Pereira wins: Be patient.”
Jouban emphasized that while Pereira is known for his knockouts, he will need to approach the fight carefully. According to Jouban, Rountree is at his most dangerous early in the fight, often relying on explosive power and aggressive striking. Pereira, who is more experienced and has a broader skill set, should allow the fight to settle before unleashing his full offensive arsenal.
“Rountree likes to lunge forward with one or two power strikes,” Jouban explained. “If Pereira can avoid these early exchanges and wait for Rountree’s energy to die down, he can begin using his superior boxing skills to take control of the fight.” Jouban added that as the fight progresses into the later rounds, Pereira’s patience and experience will likely give him the edge.
“Pereira should let the adrenaline subside and turn the fight into a chess match,” Jouban said. “When the time is right, he can start pressing the action with his boxing, which could throw off Rountree’s rhythm.”
While both fighters possess knockout power, Pereira’s ability to stay composed and strategically pick his moments could be the key to his victory.
Miesha Tate’s Take on Pennington vs. Peña:
To provide insight into the women’s bantamweight title fight, Hale also spoke with former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate. Tate, who has been a longtime competitor in the division, offered her thoughts on the showdown between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña.
“Pennington has been on fire,” Tate said. “She’s shown incredible resilience and has been able to put together an impressive winning streak. But Peña is no stranger to the big stage. She’s a former champion, and she’s hungry to reclaim her spot at the top.”
Tate acknowledged that Pennington’s grappling and clinch work could pose problems for Peña, but the former champion’s aggressive style and unpredictability make her a dangerous opponent. “Peña has the ability to push the pace and make it uncomfortable for her opponents,” Tate added. “This is going to be a battle of wills.”
Betting Expert’s Perspective
ESPN betting expert Ian Parker also weighed in on the main event and offered his betting insights. Parker sees Pereira as the favorite, but he doesn’t discount the possibility of an upset from Rountree. “Rountree’s power is real, and if he connects early, Pereira could be in trouble,” Parker noted. “But Pereira has shown that he can weather storms and find openings to land his shots.”
Parker’s advice to bettors: “If you’re looking for value, a Rountree knockout in the early rounds could be worth a look. However, if you’re leaning toward Pereira, a knockout in the later rounds seems like the safer bet, given Rountree’s tendency to fade as the fight goes on.”
The Stakes
With both fighters carrying knockout power and momentum into the octagon, the main event between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. has all the makings of a highlight-reel finish. Pereira’s path to victory lies in his patience and experience, while Rountree will need to rely on his explosiveness to catch Pereira off guard early in the fight.
Meanwhile, the co-main event will see Raquel Pennington attempt to defend her bantamweight title against Julianna Peña, who is eager to make her comeback after a long layoff. Both title fights offer high stakes, with champions looking to solidify their legacies and challengers aiming to dethrone them.
UFC 307 is shaping up to be an exciting night of fights, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these crucial matchups. Whether it’s Pereira looking to add another knockout to his résumé or Rountree seeking to make a statement with an upset, the light heavyweight championship fight is sure to deliver fireworks. As for the women’s bantamweight division, Pennington and Peña will be fighting to prove who truly deserves to wear the belt.
Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action at UFC 307, as two of the most competitive divisions in the UFC take center stage in Salt Lake City.
