5 best moments from UFC 307 press conference: Kayla Harrison 'skipping' the line, Jose Aldo's determination, and more

The headlining match of UFC 307 has light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defending his title against Khalil Rountree Jr. The co-headlining fight will witness UFC women's bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington defend her belt against ex-champion Julianna Pena.

The UFC 307 pre-fight press conference took place on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. The fights go down on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Today, we take a look at some of the best moments from the press conference, which saw legendary Judoka and UFC star Kayla Harrison steal the show.

---

#5 Khalil Rountree Jr. addresses the enemy within, motivation for UFC 307

Khalil Rountree Jr. has made waves over the past several years with his exciting fighting style, stellar striking skills, and inspirational story. During the UFC 307 pre-fight press conference, Rountree was asked about his journey of overcoming adversity and finally reaching a point where he's getting a UFC title shot on such a high-profile card.

Upon being asked how he felt, Rountree responded by urging everyone watching to ask themselves what they really want in life and what's stopping them from achieving it. Drawing attention to the enemy within, 'The War Horse' suggested that in most cases, we stop ourselves from accomplishing our goals:

"What's stopping me from getting what I want? For me, the answer has been myself." [30:00-minute mark of the official UFC 307 pre-fight press conference video]

Rountree explained that he's overcome those inner battles many times and now faces the division's scariest fighter.

---

#4 Kevin Holland seemingly befuddles Roman Dolidze on the mic

Kevin Holland has earned praise not only for his exciting striking style but also for his witty trash talk. True to one of his monikers, 'Big Mouth,' he appeared to absolutely dominate Roman Dolidze during their verbal clash at the UFC 307 press conference.

Holland predicted that Dolidze's unlikely to stand with him. Dolidze disagreed and interrupted, but Holland fired back by shutting him down and asking him to wait for his turn.

Moreover, he alleged that the Georgian fighter was simply trying to impress the fans by promising to strike with him at UFC 307. During the lighthearted back and forth, Holland asserted:

"You got to cap for the fans, bro. Put the mic, down. He was asking me a question. He's going to ask you one in a couple of seconds. Relax, buddy." [21:55]

---

#3 Alex Pereira talks about his "charisma"

Alex Pereira has garnered a reputation for his stoicism and stone-faced appearance. The Brazilian has also often played into the running joke about it. Incidentally, 'Poatan' implies 'Hands of Stone' in the Brazilian-Portuguese language.

Pereira is notorious for his deadpan humor and is truly skilled at delivering it. During the press conference, Pereira was asked about his rise to superstardom in recent years. He responded by asserting that the fans have connected with him because he consistently competes in fights. The 37-year-old also lightheartedly attributed his fan following to his charisma. 'Poatan' said:

"I think there's a combination of factors. But a lot of it goes into the work that I put out, what I deliver. Fans pay, fans come out, and they want to see fights. And I deliver fights. But it's also the fact that I'm humble. I've been able to showcase that. And you may make fun of this, but my charisma. I mean, look at me laughing right now. So I think there's a combination of things. I think fans really like me." [32:18]

It was followed by fans chanting Pereira's signature catchphrase, 'Chama,' which echoed through the arena.

---

#2 Jose Aldo's determination

Jose Aldo is an MMA icon and a former UFC featherweight champion. He retired from the sport in 2022, departed the UFC, competed in boxing, and then ended his retirement to make a triumphant UFC comeback in 2024.

Heading into his clash against Mario Bautista at UFC 307, Aldo reaffirmed his goal of capturing the UFC bantamweight title. When asked what motivates him at this point of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, 'The King of Rio' alluded to his undying determination.

Aldo asserted that being a UFC champion has always been his dream and that he'll continue making sacrifices for it. In pursuit of two-division champion status, the 38-year-old said:

"It's what matters to me the most. To be a champion in the UFC is my ultimate goal. That's what I'm continuing to work for." [34:08]

---

#1 Kayla Harrison trades barbs with Julianna Pena, responds to Ketlen Vieira's jibe, and lambasts rivals

Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena have often traded barbs, and that carried over into the UFC 307 press conference as well. A reporter brought up how Harrison previously claimed she'd elbow Pena for free, adding that Pena accused her of using steroids and displaying 'roid rage.'

Harrison responded by noting that she has more stoppage wins than Pena's overall wins. 'The Venezuelan Vixen' accused Harrison of facing lower-tier opposition.

Furthermore, Ketlen Vieira, whom Kayla Harrison fights at UFC 307, conveyed through her translator that Harrison had an "ugly face." Harrison responded jestingly firing back by saying that her mother and children think she's pretty.

Vieira also expressed her disapproval of Harrison because she feels the American has skipped the line and is being unfairly pushed into the title picture.

Harrison, who's often acknowledged the hype around her, responded by lambasting Vieira and others in the women's bantamweight division. The grappling wizard stated:

"Listen, this is the difference. This is the difference between me and all of these girls. I come here, and they complain, 'She skipped the line. She's on steroids. It's not fair. She shouldn't do this. She shouldn't do that.' If this was my division and I was the champion, I would say, 'Come the f**k over, and I'll show you who's champion.'" [39:35]

Watch the UFC 307 pre-fight press conference video below: