Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Alex Pereira remained the UFC’s undisputed mild heavyweight champion with a fourth-round TKO win over Khalil Rountree Jr. within the UFC 307 most important occasion from the Delta Middle in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah.
The depth was palpable earlier than the combat even kicked off. Pereira did his trademark pre-fight staredown and Rountree calmly returned the favor.
UFC @ufc
The staredown earlier than the showdown 😤#UFC307 pic.twitter.com/6KJxl62zeQ
Rountree was not overwhelmed within the first body. He did properly to make the most of his boxing to take an early lead within the combat, however Pereira was capable of hit early calf kicks that began to interrupt down his opponent early within the combat.
Ben Fowlkes @benfowlkesMMA
Higher first spherical than I anticipated for Rountree. However Pereira is simply so comfy and has established that calf kick already whereas seeking to arrange that left hook.
The challengers title bid obtained much more critical within the second spherical. A head kick try from Poatan put him out of place and Rountree unleashed a proper hand that shocked Pereira.
UFC @ufc
Challenger bringing some firepower 💥 #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/tbIooTVvc8
Whereas Rountree’s assaults had been primarily geared towards headhunting, Pereira made a acutely aware effort to interrupt down his opponent with leg kicks and physique photographs.
Poatan started reaping the advantages of his bodywork and leg kicks within the third spherical. Rountree appeared hobbled by the calf kicks and was notably slower.
Kenny Florian @kennyflorian
Pereira wins spherical 3. Rountree displaying results from that lead leg and physique photographs now. Issues proceed to get attention-grabbing in the principle occasion. #ufc307
UFC @ufc
HUGE land for the Champ 👊 #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/2vmzRofzpw
As soon as Pereira noticed the openings he was relentless in chasing the knockout. He turned up the warmth within the fourth spherical and drew the end to retain his belt.
The Brazilian continues to rapidly compile a resume that might place him among the many all-time greats. Poatan was somewhat late in his transition from kickboxing to MMA, however he has made his presence felt with memorable knockouts and 5 wins in title fights.
Pereira burst onto the scene along with his rivalry in opposition to Israel Adesanya, however his run at mild heavyweight has outlined a legacy that can go far past his basic fights with The Final Stylebender.
The latest query surrounding Pereira is whether or not he might grow to be the primary fighter in UFC historical past to assert championships in three completely different weight divisions. The previous middleweight and present mild heavyweight champion has been a speculative future opponent for Jon Jones.
Sadly, Poatan threw some chilly water on that concept lately. He met with Bones and educated with him after Jones hinted that his scheduled title protection in opposition to Stipe Miocic could possibly be his final.
“I used to be solely fascinated by coaching as a result of Jon stated his final combat could also be his final combat,” Pereira stated, per Farah Hannoun and Ken Hathaway of MMA Junkie. “So I wish to go over there and study somewhat bit from him. I am a man that has an open thoughts, and I feel it will be nice.”
The thought of Pereira getting pointers from Jones ought to be terrifying for all future opponents. Jones is presumably one of the best fighter there’s ever been at mixing inventive hanging with dominant wrestling.
We would have to attend some time to see if Pereira might land a title in a 3rd division, however his reign of dominance within the mild heavyweight division is not so dangerous to witness both.
