UFC 307 – Severe MMA Staff Predictions

10/05/2024 11:42 AM

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira has quickly become one of the most electrifying commodities MMA has to offer.

The Brazilian knockout expert became the 9th fighter in UFC history to become a champion in two different weight divisions when he knocked out Jiří Procházka to claim the vacant 205lbs strap last November. While the gunslinger’s potent ammunition has fight fans on the edge of their seats each time he fires his bow, it is the clip at which Pereira has been competing that has aided his rapid ascent to MMA greatness. UFC 307 will be Pereira’s 7th fight in the space of 2 years, six of which have been championship bouts.

Stepping up on short notice to save the UFC 303 main event, Pereira extinguished Procházka in devastating fashion for a second time. With the number-one contender out of the picture, most assumed the next challenger to Pereira’s throne would be Dagestan’s Magomed Ankalaev.

Instead, it will be number-8 ranked Khalil Rountree standing across from Pereira on Saturday night. A violent striker, “The War Horse” boasts 11 knockouts as a professional. If ever there was a contender you could expect to stand and trade with the ferocious Pereira, it’s Rountree. In fact, per ESPN stats, Rountree has never so much as attempted a takedown in his 20-fight career (including The Ultimate Fighter). While an upset over Pereira would seem unlikely to many fans (not to mention the Vegas betting lines), Rountree has an opportunity to shock the world come Saturday night.

For a full breakdown of the UFC 307 card, check out Ian & Seán’s Preview Show over on YouTube.

For now, here our Severe MMA main card picks!

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