Alex Pereira retained his UFC light heavyweight title with a TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307, improving his record to 9-1 in the UFC and 12-2 overall. Undefeated Chechen-born Khamzat Chimaev was one of many who were impressed by the Brazilian's performance.
Rountree Jr. came out strong, displaying his speed and landing hard strikes, including a solid hook in the second round after evading Pereira’s kick. However, Pereira’s precision and consistency allowed him to gradually take control as the fight progressed.
In the fourth round, Pereira capitalized on his stamina, finding his rhythm and forcing Rountree Jr. onto the defensive. With Rountree Jr. backed against the cage, Pereira unleashed a series of powerful blows that dropped his opponent, leading the referee to step in and stop the bout.
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After the fight, Chimaev showed his respect to the reigning light heavyweight champion on X:
“[Alex Pereira] Congratulation only respect 🫡."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's post below:
Alex Pereira shows gratitude to Dana White and fans after UFC 307 win
Alex Pereira marked his third title defense in 2024, the most by any UFC champion this year. Pereira’s dominant performances have solidified his status as one of the top stars in the promotion.
The day after his victory, Pereira took to Instagram to thank his fans and hint at taking a break. He expressed gratitude for the support, saying:
"Thank you so much for all the support from my fans last night, all that love just makes me always train hard and perform my best to always bring a show for all of you, this year I did 3 fights and ended with 3 wins, with the end of my last fight I feel that was somehow the end of a cycle, the talk and love that @danawhite show to me and my team after my fight makes me excited to the future will bring for me in the @ufc"
Check out Alex Pereira's post below:
Pereira, who has finished all three of his title defenses this year, has risen to prominence with his elite striking and finishing ability. Looking ahead, he is expected to face the winner of the upcoming fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic upon his return to the octagon.