Stephen Thompson predicts Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree could be a five-round war

Alex Pereira will fight Muay Thai specialist Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307. The fight announcement took fans by surprise for several reasons, most notably Rountree's current ranking, which places him at no. 8 in the top 15.

But given that both light heavyweights operate in the striking realm of mixed martial arts, elite kickboxer and former UFC welterweight contender Stephen Thompson believes the title fight could produce fireworks.

Four of Rountree's last five victories have come via stoppage, with 'Poatan' holding the same record. Given their high knockout percentage, 'Wonderboy' believes that the bout may also finish in the first round.

During a recent interview with talkSPORT MMA, he said this:

"I think this is a great fight. Khalil Rountree, being another striker, I'm excited for this one to be honest with you. Anything can happen when it comes to these guys. But I think this is going to be, one - an easy knockout. Or two - it's gonna go all five rounds, just a striking war. Khalil Rountree is a great Muay Thai stylist and I think this is what fans want to see out of Pereira. They want to see somebody push his striking."

Watch Thompson discuss Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree below (6:35):

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Alex Pereira claims Magomed Ankalaev turned down an offer to fight him; the Russian responds

Alex Pereira recently defended his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, knocking out the former champion with a blistering head kick.

Many expected his next defense to come against former title challenger and perennial contender Magomed Ankalaev. But, to the surprise of many fans, the promotion announced that 'Poatan' would face Khalil Rountree at UFC 307.

Pereira recently discussed his upcoming clash with Rountree, where he claimed that the Russian turned down the chance to fight him, saying this:

"I always wanted to fight Ankalaev. I threw that to the [UFC]. Left it very clear, but Ankalaev didn't want to fight against me."

Catch Alex Pereira's comments below (8:30):

The Brazilian's claim drew a response from Ankalaev, who took to X to post the following:

"This is the biggest lie, this is not man style"

See his response below: