UFC

Michael Bisping Labels Khalil Rountree Jr. ‘The Best Striker’ Alex Pereira Has Faced Ahead Of UFC 307

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Oliver Taliku
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Oliver Taliku Sports Editor

Olly Taliku has worked with highly respected sports and gambling websites where he has produced hundreds of articles, as well as being published with Burton Albion and Chesterfield FC. At Burton Olly worked closely alongside the women's team, producing mainly matchday content including reports and interviews, while at Chesterfield he worked in a similar role but with the academy side, as well as some first team content. He also has experience as an accredited Premier League and EFL writer for Prost International where he worked during the 2021/22 season to produce matchday content as an on location reporter. Olly specialises in football as well as long form SEO content plus news, tips and betting but also produces content on basketball, baseball and American football.

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Published30 Sep 2024

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Alex Pereira - UFC

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping has praised Khalil Rountree Jr. ahead of his fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 307, labelling ‘The War Horse’ as the best striker Pereira has faced in his career. 

Michael Bisping Praises Khalil Rountree Jr.

Alex Pereira is currently the most feared fighter in the UFC light heavyweight division, but Michael Bisping thinks that the Brazilian could face one of his stiffest challenges yet when he takes on Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.

‘Poatan’ has defended his belt twice since winning the title against Jiří Procházka at UFC 295, with a win against Jamahal Hill coming before a rematch defence against Procházka.

But former British middleweight champion Bisping thinks things are about to get much more difficult for Pereira when he faces ‘The War Horse’ in October.

“Alex Pereira is a massive star,” Bisping said. “It’s like he’s fighting every other day. Every couple of events, he pops up. The reason he’s doing that is because he knocks everybody out and finishes them.

“At some point you’ve got to be careful, because doing that and getting the same result every time might bite you in the backside. Rountree Jr. in this fight is a live dog, and I would not be surprised if, at the end of this, he is the champion of the world.

“Rountree Jr. has been perfecting his craft in Thailand and got better and better. The man has power, believes in himself. His coach says that if anyone shoots for a takedown, it’s going to be Pereira.”

Rountree Jr. has won his last five bouts in the Octagon, but there are fears that he may struggle back in the ring after so long away from the sport. The 34-year-old last fought at the end of 2023, picking up a win via knockout against Anthony Smith on the Song Yadong-Chris Gutierrez fight night undercard.

When Is UFC 307?

There are two title fights coming up at UFC 307 in the early hours of October 6th, with Alex Pereira taking on Khalil Rountree Jr. in the co-main event.

The other title fight on show at the UFC this weekend is a women’s Bantamweight event that will see Raquel Pennington defend her belt for the first time against challenger Julianna Pena.

Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree Jr. – UFC 307 Info

  • 🥊 UFC Fight: Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree Jr.
  • 📊 Records: Alex Pereira (11-2-0, 6 KO’s) | Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-5-0 1NC, 7 KO’s)
  • 📅 Date: Sunday, 6th October, 2024
  • 🕛 Main Event Time: Approx. 4.30AM GMT
  • 🏆 Titles: UFC Light Heavyweight Title
  • 📺 TV Channel: TNT Sports
  • 🏟  Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
  • 🎲 Fight Odds: Pereira 2/9 | Rountree Jr. 7/2