Headlining this attractive showdown on October 5th at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, United States, is a UFC Light Heavyweight title clash where Khalil Rountree Jr. battles Alex Pereira to assert himself as the champion. The stage is set and it is a cool fall evening so that viewers can watch it all via ESPN+. The bout is interesting as it pits a light heavyweight with years of experience against a former middleweight champion. While Rountree looks for the biggest upset of his career, this time, Pereira wants to keep an iron fist on his championship. Seeing that Pereira is a heavy favorite on the premium sports picks, let’s see what it is about this fight that makes it all interesting.
Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. 10/5/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Pereira Odds: | -450 |
| Rountree Jr. Odds: | +333 |
Alex “Poatan” Pereira Analysis
Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan,” has a record of 11 wins, 2 losses and no draws. Though he wears the champion’s crown, the ink is not what he is all about. How he has migrated from the kickboxing glory to the UFC octagon can only be described as monstrous. At a height of 6’4” and a weight of 205 lbs, Pereira’s most powerful weapon is striking, averaging 5.23 significant strikes landed per minute with a 63% accuracy rate. Unlike Raquel Pennington, who will fight for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title Bout, Pereira’s approach does not rely heavily on grappling; instead, his knockout power dictates the pace and often the outcome of his fights. His previous matchup with Prochazka added even more to his reputation for massive finishing chances, which will play on the scales when fighting Rountree.
Khalil Rountree Jr. Analysis
Khalil Rountree Jr. is no pushover and backs himself with a 14-5-0 (1 NC) record. Labelled as a tough fighter with ‘heavy hands’ himself, Rountree’s striking, though not close to Pereira’s, is still respectable. He gets hit more often than he does, with 4.18 peppering his opponent and an average output of 3.84 per minute. He has a 58 % takedown defense and would, however have a dead southpaw style, which presents a problem to Pereira quite a bit like how Jose Aldo will do in a Bantamweight Bout. In his last fight against Smith, Rountree demonstrated that he has the power to impose his will on experienced fighters and, therefore adds a rich underdog element for this title fight.
Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Stats
| Pereira | Rountree Jr. | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 11-2-0 | 14-5-0 (1 NC) |
| Average Fight Time | 9:39 | 7:50 |
| Height | 6′ 4″ | 6′ 1″ |
| Weight | 205 lbs. | 205 lbs. |
| Reach | 79″ | 76″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 5.23 | 3.84 |
| Striking Accuracy | 63% | 39% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.51 | 4.18 |
| Defense | 51% | 50% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.17 | 0.00 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 100% | 0% |
| Takedown Defense | 70% | 58% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.3 | 0.1 |
Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Betting Picks
Given what is available on the statistics and performances lately, Pereira’s punching effects and defensive abilities enable him to be a very effective champion. He has sufficient control to dictate the range and inflict damage and this type of control matters in fights. Rountree’s will and stability, however, can be still a damage. Nevertheless, Pereira is very much a favourite, and for a reason: he has often shown that he can break his enemies, using power and accurate strikes, without any issues.
Although the underdog story is optimistic, Pereira is such a temperamental fighter coupled with such fighting skills whereby he is simply the best defensive striker, it is prudent to place a bet on him. He has easily adjusted from kickboxing to MMA and how he fights in the cage is one thing Rountree will struggle to deal with.
Free Pick: Alex “Poatan” Pereira -450
UFC 307 has finally come, and the excitement and restlessness for this light heavyweight championship bout is palpable. The two fighters have their respective chances to win. However, Pereira’s better striking and technique should be enough to win the fight again. If you are looking for UFC 307 free picks today, backing Pereira’s approval of his solid track record would be understandable. The only gem we can watch is if Rountree pulls the upset or Pereira cements himself at the top of the light heavyweight category for an unperceived period.