UFC Rumors: Khalil Rountree’s Pull-Out Teased as Alex Pereira Enters ‘Mike Tyson Club’ Before UFC 307

UFC 307 is shaping up to be a fight fan’s dream, with two of the most dangerous men in the light heavyweight division set to collide in the main event! The number 8 ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. is gearing up to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight crown. Currently, ‘The War Horse’ is on a 5-fight win streak, while ‘Poatan’ has looked virtually unstoppable since he debuted at 205 lbs. and won the belt at UFC 295 last year.

But could there be more to this matchup that the MMA sphere might be overlooking? According to Chael Sonnen, the odds favor Rountree in a way that most don’t see coming. In a recent statement, the former UFC fighter turned analyst highlighted the challenger’s chances despite indicating that ‘Poatan’s ‘Mike Tyson-esque’ aura may be a cause for concern for this matchup falling through!

Chael Sonnen breaks down his surprising take on Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree clash

What makes the UFC 307 light heavyweight title clash so intriguing? According to Chael Sonnen’s recent YouTube video, “Rountree is not his best until someone’s coming after him, and that’s exactly the way Pereira fights.” Aggressive, calculated, and relentless, Alex Pereira is known for his pressure and knockout power. But in Sonnen’s view, that style might play right into Rountree’s hands.

Sonnen admitted that the Brazilian’s odds of winning are high as he explained, “…my own partner DraftKings, 4 to 1, favoring the guy that I’m telling you isn’t only going to lose, he’s going to get knocked out.” So far, the only man to ever knock out Alex Pereira inside the UFC Octagon has been Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in 2023.

It’s a compelling case, but let’s not forget who ‘Poatan’ is. A former GLORY kickboxing champion and one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. As such, the UFC veteran further shared, “After Pereira did to Prochazka what he did to Prochazka, Alex is going to enter that Mike Tyson type club, the Anderson Silva club, where guys toss it in the back, they don’t want the fight. They don’t call for it, it was somebody else’s idea, they say yes, they act like they want to be there and they look for the nearest door to jump through”

Could that be the same reaction Khalil Rountree has? Will he pull out of the fight? According to Sonnen, “But I don’t think Rountree is going to do that, I don’t think Rountree is part of that club. Rountree’s taken out his last six, five by finish. One of them was a number one contender named ‘Lionheart’.”

So, who should you believe? Sonnen’s confidence in Rountree is certainly convincing. But the danger that Pereira brings into every fight can’t be ignored. He’s earned his spot in the “Anderson Silva club” of fighters whose mere presence in the Octagon causes opponents to crumble. But according to a former champion, ‘The War Horse’ might have the weapons needed to end ‘Poatan’s reign!

‘Sweet Dreams’ puts Pereira on alert with support for Rountree’s arsenal  

As UFC 307 draws near, Jamahal Hill believes Khalil Rountree has a secret weapon up his sleeve—his southpaw stance. ‘Sweet Dreams’ is very familiar with the dangers Alex Pereira possesses, losing his attempt at regaining his light-heavyweight crown at UFC 300 as he got knocked out in the first round by the Brazilian.

In a recent conversation on Aljamain Sterling’s YouTube channel, Hill shared, “The thing Khalil has going for him is he’s a southpaw, he has valuable threats from southpaw. If you look at his (Pereira’s) kickboxing career, southpaw is a stance that gives him trouble.” Sure, he’s beaten them before, but has he dominated? Hill doesn’t think so.

He further explained, “The second fight against Izzy (Adesanya), go look, which way does Izzy stand? I pay attention to the details. If you have weapons from southpaw, he struggles. He definitely struggles.” This insight isn’t just a casual observation for the former champion—it’s personal. Hill was originally scheduled to fight Rountree at UFC 303 before the fight was scrapped. The result of this bout may also impact his upcoming matchups in the division. 

In a fight that promises high stakes and big moments, all eyes will be on how these two warriors handle each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Will Khalil Rountree’s southpaw stance truly trouble the champion? Or will Pereira prove once again that he’s capable of overcoming any obstacle in his path? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.