Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Preview and best fights

Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight throne for the third time when he takes on “The War Horse” Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 on October 5.

As one of the most active fighters on the roster, Pereira continues to make UFC history. “Poatan” has enjoyed a meteoric rise, securing two UFC titles in nine fights, with two title defenses to boot. This weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, he faces a new threat: a Muay Thai practitioner with a fearsome killer instinct, Khalil Rountree Jr.

Rountree Jr. has defeated three other former GLORY kickboxers in the UFC and heads into UFC 307 on a six-fight winning streak. Rountree Jr. brutalized his opponents en route to the title, earning high-profile TKOs over Anthony Smith and Karl Roberson secured and Modestas Bukauskas. The California-born fighter is must-see television, with a relentless style matched only by Pereira's cold demeanor.

Pereira needs no introduction. He has steadily improved since moving to light heavyweight, and it seems like fighters need to catch him now before he becomes truly untouchable. Aptly nicknamed “Hands Like Rock,” Pereira only needs one fight to finish a fight, as evidenced by his last three appearances, all of which were left hook knockdowns.

Aside from the two title fights topping the list, there's a lot to look forward to. Former featherweight king Jose Aldo turns back the clock against top contender Mario Bautista in the main card feature bout. A win for either man puts them in the conversation for a top-five bantamweight contender.

Former PFL champion Kayla Harrison is one win away from title contention when she meets Ketlen Vieira, arguably one of the toughest opponents she has ever faced. Fan favorites Kevin Holland, Joaquin Buckley and Stephen Thompson also appear on the main card.

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