'It's either mans to win'… Conor McGregor weighs in on Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree at UFC 307
10/05/2024 03:40 AM
MMA fans are in for a treat later this evening when superstar Alex 'Poatan' Pereira looks to successfully defend his light heavyweight championship for the third time this year against dangerous veteran, Khalil Rountree Jr.
Whilst the majority of fans and fighters are siding with the intimidating Brazilian, there are those within the global MMA community who are warning that tonight's main event could be a lot closer than many realize, including the former featherweight and lightweight king, Conor McGregor.
Conor McGregor weighs in on Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree at UFC 307
Heading into this weekend in Salt Lake City, superstar striker Alex Pereira remains a sizable favorite over Khalil Rountree Jr with approximately 91% of Tapology users backing the Brazilian to get the job done – over 95% of those votes being for a KO/TKO finish.
Yet as aptly pointed out by Conor McGregor in a now-deleted X post, there are still "a lot of unanswered questions still about Khalil," at the championship level and there is no doubt that 'The War Horse' remains "a nasty operator" at 205lbs.
"Pereira looked slightly drawn also on the scale. It's either mans to win imo [in my opinion]. I lean Pereira, on form, big, accurate, powerful. But Khalil has characteristics that could cause major danger!"
Whilst Rountree doesn't have either the championship pedigree or the star power of the current light heavyweight king, that isn't to say that his recent career resurgence should be overlooked.
The 34-year-old California native is riding the crest of an impressive five-fight winning streak, with four of those victories coming via stoppage, including a particularly vicious knockout of Anthony Smith in his last bout.
"Man, it's a tough one," continued Conor McGregor's statement, as the 'Notorious' Mystic Mac predicted that the UFC 307 main event will certainly deliver a stern challenge for the dominant Brazilian.
"Something tells me this will be a test. Pereira is just about ready for heavyweight now imo. Him vs Jones would be amazing to watch! A chance to go 3 weight. Could be spoiled tomorrow night however, don't be surprised. Let’s go!"
Conor McGregor mocked by long-time rival over viral soccer video
McGregor is never too far away from the headlines, and aside from his UFC 307 prediction, the Irishman was back in the news cycle this week after a rather awkward interaction with soccer (football) superstar Bukayo Saka.
Following Arsenal's 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League mid-week, McGregor would make his way out onto the pitch to have a seemingly friendly kick-about with some of the team's star players.
Yet McGregor might have gone a little too far when he showed Saka how to throw high kicks, almost landing a rather strong kick to the body; Saka joked 'Be Careful' as McGregor tried to take the Englishman down.
Wherever McGregor goes, Michael Chandler usually isn't too far behind, with the former Bellator champion quick to write in the comments section: "Great footwork for wearing steel toe boots," before adding the hashtag, "Protect the toe at all costs."
As per Dana White, McGregor's own return to MMA action has been pushed back to 2025.
