One of the year’s biggest fights is the upcoming light-heavyweight clash at UFC 307 between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. Two of the most elite strikers in the division will go against each other in a striking war-fare. However, Rountree Jr.’s coach, John Wood, feels a bit different.

During a recent interview with ESPN, Wood shared his honest opinion and felt Pereira would go for a takedown in the fight. Looking at his past two performances, Pereira’s biggest strength is his brutal striking power. Will he change his game plan in his third title defense of the year?

Alex Pereira will not look to takedown Khalil Rountree Jr. feels UFC fighter

Current light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is unbeaten in his last two title defense fights in 2024. However, his next opponent differs from his previous two opponents. Khalil Rountree Jr. is on a roll in the division and is undefeated in his last five fights, with four of them coming via knockouts. Is his power a threat to Pereira? And will the Brazilian powerhouse change his game plan at UFC 307? Former UFC champion Michael Bisping and UFC light-heavyweight fighter Anthony Smith sat down to discuss the fight.

Anthony Smith, who last fought Khalil Rountree Jr. is his last fight rates his wrestling very high. While speaking to Bisping, he said, “Well, Khalil’s definitely not shooting for sure. And I don’t think Alex is shooting. I don’t think so. I think he tried being a little bit sneaky with Izzy. Just because other than that one takedown on Izzy. Yeah, that’s it. He’s not shooting.” 

Despite Rountree Jr’s coach claiming that Pereira will go for a takedown in the fight, the pair doesn’t quite feel so. The biggest reason for that is wrestling has never been the biggest strength for the champion. Pereira has been a dominant champion in two divisions but doesn’t have a good ground game to back his striking, feels many experts. While he is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it might just come as a surprise if we see ‘Poatan’ changing his game plan.

Since the time the fight was announced, fans and experts have started predicting the winner of the fight. The ability to perform in crunch situations and big events has already made Pereira a fan favorite. However, looking at the recent form, Michael Bisping surprised everyone with his pick for the fight at UFC 307.

Michael Bisping feels Alex Pereira might be in trouble against Rountree Jr.

There are few instances in a fight where Alex Pereira is considered the underdog. However, this time, he might just face the biggest threat in his light-heavyweight division career feels ‘The Count.’ After receiving a ban, Rountree Jr. lost momentum in May for failing a drug test. But that’s history now, and ‘The War Horse’ has found new motivation and is hunting for the title next. While his next opponent is the best in the division, the former champion feels he has the potential to win the fight.

Pereira has faced some of the elite strikers in the division, but Rountree Jr. is the best, feels Bisping. In addition, his wrestling skills give him a slight advantage, making him a true threat. After analyzing all options, Bisping had no hesitation in saying, “Khalil might be the best striker in mixed martial arts that Alex Pereira has fought. When you look at Khalil, he is so shelled up he’s like a teenage mutant Ninja turtle. His chin is tucked in. He’s got good power. He’s fast. He’s got a massive opportunity. I don’t think it’s a wild thing to consider that Khalil might go out there and beat Alex Pereira.”

Ruling out Alex Pereira in a title fight might not be a good idea at all. But you never know when a champion can once become a challenger. To sum up, do you think we will see a new champion at UFC 307? Or will Alex Pereira defend his title for the third time in 2024? Let us know in the comments below.