When Khalil Rountree Jr. challenges Alex Pereira for the UFC world title at UFC 307, he intends to put on a show for the spectators. The 34-year-old recently stated that he anticipates fighting ‘Poatan’ in a striking war next month. Pereira is currently on a roll in the division, with two successful title defenses already under his belt this year.
However, one cannot neglect the winning momentum Khalil Rountree Jr. currently is in the division. Unbeaten in his last five fights, Rountree Jr. is more than capable of winning the fight. So should he change his game plan before the most important fight of his career? Former UFC champion Michael Bisping has some advice for the 34-year-old.
Khalil Rountree Jr. should approach the fight on a positive note feels Michael Bisping
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Although the UFC 307 event is still some time away, the fans are already excited, especially for the main fight. #8 ranked Rountree Jr. is coming off multiple setbacks after unintentionally ingesting a banned substance mixed in his supplement. But the 34-year-old has turned around his career in recent times and has earned himself a title shot next. ‘The War Horse’ is determined to get past the challenge of the Brazilian and is even willing to change his coach. But it seems he needs to keep his game plan simple, as revealed by former UFC champion Bisping.
One of the biggest threats while facing Pereira is his brutal knockout power. He also uses his kicks smartly, which makes it tough to land a shot. So, what should the game plan be for Rountree Jr.? Former UFC champion Michael Bisping recently took to his Michael Bisping Podcast on his YouTube channel to share his insights on the fight. ‘The Count’ believes that ‘Poatan’ will be a completely different proposition for the challenger but wants him to start the fight on a positive note. He said on his namesake podcast, “Because guess what if you don’t go for it you’re gonna allow Alex to get into a groove. And once he gets into a groove, you’re gonna get wiped out, right? Go forward and put him under pressure. Put him on the back foot.”
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Bisping also made a bold prediction before the fight, feeling Rountree Jr. might surprise most with his performance. This is not the only prediction that has gone in favor of ‘The War Horse.’ Fan favorite analyst Chael Sonnen also feels that Pereira’s winning run is now in trouble as he prepares to defend his title at UFC 307.
Chael Sonnen picks his favorite before the highly anticipated UFC 307 fight
UFC CEO Dana White surprised most of the fans when he announced the fight card for UFC 307. Khalil Rountree Jr. was given the nod ahead of #2-ranked Magomed Ankalaev. The UFC CEO received a lot of criticism for lining up the Brazilian with a low-ranked fighter and some even accused him of favoritism. However, amidst all the criticism, former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen supported the decision and backed the UFC for giving him the opportunity.
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Can Khalil Rountree's clever game plan outsmart Alex Pereira's raw power in UFC 307?
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Sonnen took to his ‘Good Guy/ Bad Guy’ podcast on YouTube, discussing the fight. ‘The American Gangster’ took a dig at the critics and took the side of the #8 ranked fighter in the division. Although he is not in the top 5, Sonnen feels he can pull off an upset at UFC 307. Sonnen said on the podcast, “Let me give you the hot take of the day: Khalil Rountree is going to walk through Pereira. He further added, “He’s been fighting on the Fight Nights and at the Apex and things like that. He’s still won six in a row, and he stopped five of those sons of guns.”
The fight is evenly poised at the moment, with both fighters capable of knocking each other out in the first round. However, what matters is which fighter keeps his cool when it matters the most. Can Alex Pereira successfully defend his title for the third time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Can Khalil Rountree's clever game plan outsmart Alex Pereira's raw power in UFC 307?