Khalil Rountree has made it clear that he intends to stand and strike with Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307.
The light heavyweight title challenger has won four of his last five fights via knockout, and is certainly capable of striking with anyone in the division.
However, “Poatan” is a whole different beast when it comes to the stand-up game thanks to his incredible career in kickboxing before he made the switch to MMA.
Rountree’s coach John Wood also stated that they intend to strike in Salt Lake City because that’s where they will get the best out of his student’s skill set, rather than trying to change his approach because of the opponent that’s in front of them.
Pereira Says He Won’t Be Convinced Unless Rountree Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is
Despite this clear statement from his opponent, Pereira isn’t convinced that Rountree will stick by his word once they meet inside the Octagon.
The champion is so effective on the feet that even when he faces fellow strikers, they often divert to using grappling as a plan B.
Pereira commented on this during a recent interview with Kevin Iole before fight week.
Through his coach, Plinio Cruz, “Poatan” suggested a wager that would give him confidence in Rountree’s pre-fight assertion that he will keep the fight on the feet.
“Honestly bro, everybody that said that [they will keep the fight standing] before ended up shooting a takedown on this guy so it’s hard to believe. Alex said that the only way that he’ll believe [is] if Khalil go out in public and say, ‘I promise, I promise that I’m not going to shoot a takedown on this guy and if I do, I’m going to donate a percentage of my purse for charity.’ Then Alex will believe him and say let’s bang.”
Read also: Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’
