Cheima Moufdil
Alex Pereira is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC, with his meteoric rise through the ranks capturing the attention of fight fans worldwide. The former kickboxing champion has transitioned seamlessly into MMA, holding titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. At UFC 307, set to take place this Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Pereira faces a dangerous but underrated challenger in Khalil Rountree. This bout will be a pivotal moment in Pereira’s journey as he defends his light heavyweight belt and potentially secures a shot at a historic third title in a different weight class.
A Steady Rise and a Challenging Opponent
Pereira’s success has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Brazilian fighter earning the nickname "Poatan" for his fearsome power. Having conquered two divisions already, Pereira is now defending his light heavyweight crown against Rountree, a fighter known for his explosiveness but who remains lightly regarded in comparison to some of the other top-ranked light heavyweights. Nonetheless, Rountree has the tools to disrupt Pereira’s plans, making this a compelling matchup.
With his career on the rise, Pereira is on the verge of creating history. A win on Saturday could solidify his status as one of the UFC’s biggest stars, with many speculating what could come next.
What Comes After UFC 307 for Pereira?
Victory over Rountree could open doors to several exciting possibilities for Pereira. There’s already speculation that he might return to the middleweight division to challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title. While many view this as a surprising move, considering Pereira’s success at light heavyweight, his desire to reclaim middleweight gold showcases his ambition. However, a more intriguing option lies in the heavyweight division.
Pereira’s potential heavyweight move could set up a super-fight against Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion and one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. Despite Jones hinting at retirement after his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, there is widespread belief that he could be lured back into the octagon for a marquee fight against Pereira. A showdown between these two would undoubtedly be one of the biggest events the UFC could stage, surpassing most other potential matchups in terms of both promotion and significance.
If Jones does indeed retire, Pereira could instead find himself facing another rising star in Tom Aspinall, who has quickly ascended the heavyweight rankings. Either way, Pereira holds the keys to his future, with both middleweight and heavyweight titles in his sights.
Co-Main Event: Peña vs. Pennington, and a Possible Nunes Return?
The co-main event of UFC 307 features a heated bantamweight title fight between Julianna Peña and current champion Raquel Pennington. The outcome of this bout could have ripple effects that extend far beyond the division, potentially coaxing Amanda Nunes, the former bantamweight and featherweight champion, out of retirement.
Nunes, considered the greatest female fighter in MMA history, retired after dominating the women’s divisions for years. A potential fight between Pennington and Peña could reignite the rivalry with Nunes, particularly if Pennington, whom Nunes decisively beat in the past, emerges victorious. However, the possibility of a Nunes return is far from certain, with the Brazilian legend seeming content with her legacy.
Yet, another fighter on the card could bring Nunes back: Kayla Harrison. If Harrison defeats Ketlen Vieira, her stature as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and MMA star could tempt Nunes into a mega-fight that the UFC has long teased. The two former teammates at American Top Team have an interesting dynamic, which could fuel a rivalry compelling enough for Nunes to lace up the gloves once again.
A Stacked Undercard with Stakes for Veterans
UFC 307’s undercard is stacked with high-stakes matchups, including the return of UFC legend Jose Aldo. After a storied career and a brief hiatus, Aldo is set to face Mario Bautista in a fight that could reignite his chances for a bantamweight title run. A loss could spell the end of Aldo’s hopes to win a second divisional title, but a win puts him right back in the conversation for a shot at UFC gold.
In addition, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson will take on the surging Joaquin Buckley in a pivotal fight for the welterweight division. Thompson, a two-time title challenger, is fighting to maintain his relevancy in a division crowded with younger contenders. A win would keep him in the title hunt, while a loss could signal the end of his run as a top welterweight.
Final Thoughts
UFC 307 promises to be a night of high drama and electrifying performances. With Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title and considering future moves in multiple divisions, his bout with Khalil Rountree is sure to be one of the most exciting matchups of the year. Coupled with a heated co-main event and the potential for seismic shifts in women’s MMA, this card has all the makings of an unforgettable event.