The UFC307 event took place in Salt Lake City, Utah and was a night to remember for many. The event featured thrilling fights, including a light heavyweight championship battle between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Pereira and Rountree delivered stunning performances at the event. Both fighters brought their A-game to the match. Rountree came in hot in the first round, but Pereira kept the low kicks coming. Pereira soon picked up the pace and landed some punches, but Rountree was able to nick Pereira’s chin before the round came to a close, leaving Rountree winded.
Round two continued with Pereira evading Rountree’s punches, leaving “The War Horse” to exert himself. The fighter looked for openings in Rountree’s defences and unleashed an assault of well-placed strikes and head kicks. Rountree managed to remain in the fight and retained with a head kick that dropped the champ.
The kick awakened the beast in Pereira, and he came into the third round more cautious of his opponent. Rountree whipped a nasty body kick and continued with head-on attacks, but Pereira stayed at arm’s length and slowly weakened Rountree with calf kicks.
“Poatan” landed a heavy right hand followed by a quick jab that dazed Rountree and opened a cut on his eye. Pereira continued with his attack and landed a knee strike that almost took Rountree out of the game before the round came to a close.
Pereira continued to land precise strikes, but Rountree slowed down due to the damage from the cut on his eye. “The War Horse” slowly began to fade, and Pereira used this as an opportunity to offload a barrage of strikes and a deadly combo that strapped Rountree in a corner.
He pummeled Rountree with massive punches and body strikes before an uppercut finally took Rountree to the floor, leaving Pereira still the champion of the UFC light heavyweight division. Pereira’s latest win broke Ronday Rousey’s record of the shortest amount of time between three world title defences. The champ admits that Rountree was a fierce opponent and pays respect to him.
“I can say that this was one of the toughest fights,” Pereira said following his latest win. “I expected that. He showed tonight why he’s got so much quality in here.”
Rountree gracefully accepted the loss. He admits the battle was intense but believes Pereira was a worthy opponent. “The War Horse” released a statement on his Instagram account after his loss.
“ I didn’t win the title, but I grew last night. @alexpoatanpereira, thanks for helping me see that I’m ready to take on the world. You showed amazing skill. You brought out a version of me that I needed to experience. You’re the champ for a reason: much respect.
“But I now know what I am capable of. #saltlakecity You guys were amazing, and it gave me such a memorable experience. I appreciate all of the positive messages from everyone around the world. @danawhite @espn @espnmma and the entire @ufc staff, thanks for giving me a home, a place to have purpose and providing me with challenges to overcome.
“Big thanks to my wife @miakang, my family (Donny, Dave, P, all of my uncles and aunts, the Pavlicas, the Ramseys, Everyone) for your unconditional support. Brazil 🇧🇷 you guys have a strong champion; be proud. I will take time to heal from this. I’ll be back even better; it’s inevitable. I’m grateful.
“Never give up on yourself, always fight hard, uplift your communities and find ways to make the most out of life. @deltacenter thanks for hosting us. #ufc307 was a night to remember.”
Rountree suffered extensive injuries after the fight and had to be taken to the hospital. His return date is still unsure, but fans are ready to see who the UFC will match this formidable fighter against.
Main Card
Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira def. Khalil Rountree via R4 TKO.
Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña def. Raquel Pennington via split decision
Bantamweight: Mario Bautista def. José Aldo via split decision
Middleweight: Roman Dolidze def. Kevin Holland via R1 TKO (injury stoppage).
Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison def. Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision
Preliminary Card
Welterweight: Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson via KO
Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo def. Marina Rodriguez, via split decision
Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez def. Austin Hubbard, via split decision
Middleweight: César Almeida def. Ihor Potieria via unanimous decision
Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Ovince Saint Preux via submission
Women’s Strawweight: Tecia Pennington def. Carla Esparza via unanimous decision
Welterweight: Court McGee def. Tim Means via R1 submission.
