By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Alex Pereira’s reign in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continued after scoring an emphatic knockout victory over Khahil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307 on October 6, 2024.
With the win, Pereira successfully defended his UFC light heavyweight belt four straight times and extended his undefeated streak to five matches since stealing the title away from Jan Blachowicz.
However, it was an unexpected scenario as Rountree was able to run down Pereira in the first two rounds with his efficient stand-up striking display.
Unlike his past fights where he usually dictates the early pace and is the aggressor, Pereira was on the back foot from the get-go as Rountree found his desired hitting distance that opened up a barrage of right straights.
Pereira decided to step on the gas pedal in the opening bell of the second round but Rountree came prepared, getting the better of the in-ring exchanges capped off by a sneaky left jab counter.
Rountree’s biggest moment came in the last 1:25 of Round 2 when he floored Pereira with a counter right hook.
After Pereira attempted a high twisting kick to Rountree’s head, the challenger ducked under to avoid getting hit and followed it up with a right hook that knocked down the champion for a few seconds.
Instead of pouring it on, Rountree decided to pull back and stay patient, but that move gave more time for Pereira to recover from the damage he took.
Little did Rountree know that he woke up a beast as Pereira flipped the switch in the next two rounds and fought with a sense of urgency after the scorecards showed that he was down in points.
Pereira went back to his usual pressure and hounded Rountree every second to level the scorecards backstopped with a series of 1-2 combinations that connected at will.
With the fight going down to the wire, Pereira captured the perfect timing as Rountree appeared to be exhausted entering the fourth and final round.
After a minute passed, Pereira threw a string of haymakers that landed on Rountree and mixed it up with devastating knees to the head and the body.
Rountree showed a sign of weakness when he covered his whole head and body with his guards, giving Pereira the signal to wrap up the fight with a KO win after two vicious body punches.
With another KO victory, Pereira improved his professional MMA record to 12 wins and two losses while Rountree dropped to 14 wins and six defeats.
