Current UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is one of the biggest stars in the UFC at the moment. Not only has he defeated some fine fighters, but he has performed whenever he has been under pressure. The Brazilian is now preparing for his third title defense at UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree Jr.

Pereira, in his career, has beaten Jiri Prochazka twice, which has forced the latter to make a switch to the middleweight division. While Conor McGregor welcomed his move but warned Khalil Rountree Jr. with his breakdown of Alex Pereira’s skill. Let us take a look at what he had to say.

Conor McGregor praises Alex Pereira in his latest video

Championship Rounds shared a video on their Instagram page where ‘Mystic Mac’ said, “Conor talks on Jiri. Great to see Jiri comeback and stay on his padwork and let his flow go on. Good to see him back this time in middleweight division. I don’t know I like him in the light-heavyweight division. He’s a big boy. Sometimes matches are matches. Pereira is just a bad match-up for him. As he is for a lot of people. But Jiri is a very good fighter good to see him on the mits. “

Since his second loss at UFC 303 against Alex Pereira, Prochazka has teased a move to the middleweight division. Two months after his second-round loss against the Brazilian, the former champion took to his YouTube channel to give a clear-cut picture of his situation. On August 25, the former champion posted a 23-minute video in his native titled, ‘What’s next for me.’ During the video, he said, “I’ve been considering that if Adesanya wins, I will stay in the light heavyweight division, but if Du Plessis wins, I’ll follow him. I’ll clear things up there and take the belt. But I feel good and strong in the light heavyweight division, even if the guys there are a bit heavier.”

However, there is currently no news of his next fight, and seeing Prochazka in a new division will definitely be a new challenge. Talking about challenge, Alex Pereira is set to defend his title for the third time this year against Rountree Jr. The 34-year-old is currently unbeaten in his last five fights and is dropping his opponents left, right, and center. So, walking into the fight, will Pereira change his game plan? UFC light-heavyweight fighter Anthony Smith doesn’t quite feel so.

Alex Pereira won’t wrestle against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 feels Anthony Smith

One of the biggest attractions of the year is the upcoming title fight at UFC 307. Two of the most elite strikers in the division will be locking horns against each other, and fans can expect a striking war-fare. However, Rountree Jr.’s coach, John Wood, doesn’t quite feel so. According to coach Wood, Pereira might be threatened by the striking of ‘The War Horse’ and might resound to wrestling. However, Anthony Smith doesn’t quite agree with his claims. Wrestling has never been Pereira’s biggest strength, and Smith feels that the Brazilian will not change his game plan in an important fight.

Smith took on Rountree Jr. in his last fight and rates his wrestling very high. While speaking to Michael 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.”  It will now be interesting to see what gameplan ‘Poatan’ brings in for his next fight at UFC 307. For the first time in his career, Pereira is walking into the fight as a second favorite, as many experts feel Rountree Jr. might just cause an upset.

But with Alex Pereira in a title defense fight, you are never quite sure. Who do you think will come out on top at UFC 307? Let us know your picks in the comments below.