In a recent video uploaded by the UFC on their YouTube channel, they aired a full episode of UFC 307 Countdown. In the hype package for the major event, the Dana White-led promotion showed the journey of Alex Pereira through his fight montages as he rose to the top. On commentary, Joe Rogan can be heard praising ‘Poatan’ as he claimed that the consequences of facing Pereira are extreme due to the low margin of error. “The consequences are extreme. Any mistake you make with him, it’s night-night.” 

Rogan also added that the rise of ‘Poatan’ has been better than that of McGregor and Israel Adesanya due to him winning two titles in two different weight classes within such a short span of time. “We’ve talked about rapid rises. Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, no one’s done it quite like this one.” Pereira too revealed what actually interests him about MMA and truly drives him forward. So what is it? Well, what actually drives ‘Poatan’ is the sense of competition and the race to achieve the gold. “Everyone has the same goal there, trying to win a title or defend it. And if I can do this better than anyone else, that’s what interests me.”

However, one also has to pay the price to achieve a feat. So Pereira also added that he had to make his own share of sacrifices to reach the level he is at right now. And he is very proud of himself for doing so. “I’m very proud of myself because it’s something that doesn’t come easily. I know that I’ve put a lot of effort into it. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of things. I’m happy to know I’ve achieved things that other people have tried and failed.”

‘Poatan’ is preparing for his third light heavyweight title defense in 2024. This time, he will face Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC 307, scheduled for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pereira has been an indomitable force since breaking into the 205-pound division, starting with a decisive victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291.

His meteoric rise continued with the conquest of the vacant light heavyweight title after beating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. From there, it didn’t take long for the Brazilian punching phenom to cement his reign. He successfully defended his belt twice in just two months. Now, ahead of his UFC 307 fight, he has revealed what differentiates him from other fighters in the UFC while Joe Rogan gave his verdict on the lightweight champion and that his rise is even better than that of Conor McGregor‘s.

But while Rogan believes that Pereira can be a fearsome opponent and near impossible to beat, former UFC fighter Michael Bisping believes otherwise.

Bisping backs Khalil Rountree Jr. for UFC 307

The Count believes that Rountree Jr. possesses all the arsenal necessary to threaten Pereira’s shot-focused style. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bisping spoke out about “Poatan’s” call to UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. The UFC Hall of Famer was quick to point out that Pereira has a more immediate challenge in the form of Rountree Jr., one he can’t afford to overlook.

“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.”

Considered by many to be one of the most dangerous punchers in MMA, Pereira’s legacy as a two-division Glory Kickboxing champion instills fear in his opponents. While conventional wisdom suggests that wrestling is the plan to defeat him, Rountree sees things differently. Although Rountree doesn’t discuss fighting strategy, he has made it clear that he wants to keep the fight going and offer a masterclass in attack. But what do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.