UFC has been famous for strikers unleashing a ruthless symphony of violence. The Light Heavyweight king Alex Pereira and his counterpart Khalil Rountree Jr. belong to the same crop. As UFC 307 looms above our heads, the MMA community is expecting a barn-burner between the two titans. Amidst the speculation, there has been undivided attention to the fighting camps of both the main-eventers. The popular stance is simple and projects toward an all-out war!

With repeated doubts and anger over the legitimacy of the title shot, people have strongly expressed their desire to pit ‘Poatan’ against a seasoned grappler like Magomed Ankalaev. However, the UFC’s top brass has gone in favor of ‘The War Horse’ with many calling this a better match-up for the title holder. Interestingly, Rountree Jr. may have some new tactics up his sleeves as he looks to capture the division gold. Following the same sentiment, Rountree’s coach, John Wood, has provided an update that can have massive implications for the actual bout. 

Khalil Rountree and his grappling prowess- coach reveals during training

Adjustments and game plans are a part of MMA as old as the sport itself. The canvas of UFC has seen fighters completely changing their approach to fit better against uncanny opponents. This may very well come in the form of a fighter letting go of their best weapons and choosing something entirely new from their arsenal. The most prominent example of this was seen when Francis Nganouu let go of his elite striking prowess and showcased his grappling skills against Ciryl Gane to retain his heavyweight crown.

Owing to these experiences, Pereira might have to be a little vigilant at UFC 307. Rountree’s coach John Wood has stated the possibility of the fight going to the mat instead of a striking clinic.

Wood gave a recent interview on the YouTube channel Inside Fighting, explaining their approach to the unconventional striking of Pereira. He even went on to say that this might be one of the best wrestling bouts that the Octagon has ever seen. He said, “Man I think you are gonna see the best wrestling match that anybody has ever seen. This guy is gonna go out there and shoot double legs like you have never seen being shot before. And it’s gonna be Olympic-level wrestling.”

Wood, who is currently basking in the glory of his success with Merab Dvalishvili having a dominant win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, also accepted the risks of Pereira’s left hook. “There are always layers to peel back to find the right approach,” Wood explained, stressing the fact that no fighter is completely invincible, not even someone as capable as Pereira. However, on the other hand, Pereira is also rounding up his striking game and even dabbling into a not-so-known domain of wrestling. All of these updates were given by Sean Strickland, who recently trained with him.

Alex Pereira is updating his game according to Sean Strickland

While talking to the Schmo recently, Strickland was asked about Poatan’s training camp. He said, “No man I think Alex is decent at getting up. You know you watch him train now like he works his way up so. I have wrestled Khalil he can’t fu** wrestle so.” Pereira stepped into UFC in 2021 and before that, he showed his vicious side in Glory kickboxing. The light heavyweight star has wins over amazing fighters like Strickland, and Israel Adesnaya.

Strickland highlighted Poatan’s rigorous camp with him traveling to Utah at a higher altitude to work on his gas tank. He spoke to Helen Yee and said, “I just can’t see Khalil [Rountree Jr.] pulling it off…I think I may have watched him fight Anthony Smith, I just can’t see it happening. I don’t think he has the tools in the toolbox to beat Alex [Pereira]. He’s not knocking him out, he’s not out striking him, he’s not out wrestling him.” 

While many anticipate a victory for ‘Poatan’, Rountree’s strategic approach and potential for a surprise submission or grappling-based plan could make this a competitive fight. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on who among these warriors can execute their maneuvers more effectively and capitalize on their opponent’s mistake. How do you see this fight going down? Drop your comments below!