With only a week left until the highly anticipated UFC 307, the spotlight is on the headline event where UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira will defend his title for the third time against Khalil Rountree Jr., the formidable ‘Nak Muay.’ As the fight approaches, tensions between the two fighters are rising, evident in Rountree Jr.’s recent verbal attack on Pereira. His team boldly stated, “If a takedown happens, it won’t be coming from our side,” and even challenged Pereira to donate money if he did.

This quickly drew the attention of the LHW champion, who responded in an interview with renowned reporter Kevin Iole. Pereira, without hesitation, stated, “Everybody says they won’t shoot for a takedown against me, but then they do. So, it’s hard to believe. The only way I’ll believe it is if Khalil publicly promises that he won’t shoot for a takedown against me, and if he does, he will donate a percentage of his purse to charity.”

This whole “Takedown” theory stems from critics’ assumptions that Alex Pereira’s “Chama” effect won’t work against grapplers, doubting that Pereira, who has spent his whole life in kickboxing, could not stand a chance against a wrestler. This assumption grew stronger when Dana White overlooked the potential contender ranked #2, Magomed Ankalaev, and decided to schedule Alex Pereira against ranked #8 Khalil Rountree Jr. Many analysts scrutinized this decision, claiming that White wanted to protect his “golden goose.”

Amidst all these verbal jabs, if you’re not aware of how the Khalil Rountree-Alex Pereira takedown controversy began, let’s take a quick recap of how this recent exchange has become the hottest topic in the MMA community.

Team Khalil Accuses Alex Pereira of Planning to Wrestle at UFC 307

Khalil Rountree Jr.’s coach, John Wood, believes that Alex Pereira, who has won 4 out of 5 fights via knockout, will attempt a takedown against Rountree Jr., who is not known for taking down opponents. Both fighters come from striking backgrounds—Pereira as a kickboxer and Rountree Jr. from the “art of eight limbs.” Therefore, it can be assumed that wrestling and grappling could be weaknesses for them. Coach Wood’s assumption is further supported by Pereira’s recent announcement to train with Jon Jones, who is known for his dangerous wrestling.

While speaking to Mike Owens, Khalil Rountree Jr.’s coach emphasized Pereira’s past fights, stating, “Listen, that got kind of taken out of context. I don’t think anybody is shooting in this fight. I don’t. But I said if somebody does, there’s a track record; there’s proof Alex has shot in fights before. He has attempted takedowns. I don’t know if Khalil has ever done that. You know, I can’t think of anything in my mind that he’s ever shot for takedowns.”

What are your thoughts on Alex Pereira’s remark? Do you believe it’s the best reply he has given to Khalil Rountree Jr. in recent times? Drop your opinion below.