Khalil Rountree Jr. one-ups Alex Pereira’s challenge to not shoot takedowns at UFC 307: “That’s what I’ll do"

Khalil Rountree Jr. will go to war against Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307. With both men regarded as striking specialists, their clash could produce absolute carnage on the feet when the pair of light heavyweights collide.

Ahead of the clash, Rountree Jr. stated that under no circumstances would he decide to shoot for a takedown. Given Pereira's relative weakness in the grappling department compared to his striking skillset, many believe a wrestling-heavy gameplan is the best route to victory against 'Poatan'.

With the title challenger unwilling to alter his fighting style, he was challenged by the Brazilian to donate a portion of his purse should he shoot a takedown during their fight.

'The War Horse' appeared in front of the media after Pereira's challenge was issued, where he responded with this:

"I would rather just publicly promise to donate a portion of my winnings to charity, regardless of a takedown or not. I'd rather do that. I'm not a betting guy. I don't bet. I don't really support it. But if it's a challenge in a way to show that I will donate top a positive cause or to a charity, I don't need to say I won't shoot for a takedown. I'll just do that, flat off... Am I going to shoot for a takedown? I don't plan to."

Watch Khalil Rountree Jr.'s interview below (2:40):

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Israel Adesanya predicts Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. set for UFC 307

UFC 307 will feature a thrilling light heavyweight title fight between champion Alex Pereira and surging challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event.

With the bout edging closer, Pereira's longtime rival, Israel Adesanya, recently shared his prediction for fight night. With 'The Last Stylebender' having picked against 'Poatan' while predicting the Brazilian's previous title fights, he believes the light heavyweight champion will retain his belt this time.

Adesanya recently appeared on The Adam Carolla Show and said this:

"I'll go Pereira because momentum right now. Also, I just know Rountree doesn't grapple. He likes to kickbox. He's never gone for a takedown... Rountree, I feel like, will be able if he can make it dirty and catch him, he can catch him, but it's so hard to do with Pereira. Because Rountree, his reach, might not be able to get to him."

Watch Adesanya predict Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. below (50:05):