A retired fighter who boasts a win over Khalil Rountree wouldn't be surprised if he unseats Alex Pereira from the UFC light heavyweight throne.
Pereira, who also previously held gold on MMA's biggest stage at middleweight, has ruled over the 205-pound division since capturing the then-vacant title in November 2023.
He stopped Jiří Procházka on that occasion and has since repeated the feat in their International Fight Week rematch, in addition to also defending the belt against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300.
"Poatan's" high activity won't be coming to a halt as he gears up for his third title defense of 2024 at the UFC 307 pay-per-view in Salt Lake City, Utah early next month. To the surprise of many, his next challenger will be the #8-ranked Rountree, who most recently extended his winning run to five by knocking out Anthony Smith last December.
"The War Horse" has been branded undeserving by some in the community and will unsurprisingly enter his first PPV main event as a sizable underdog. But someone with experience sharing the cage with him insists he can't be counted out...
Tyson Pedro Predicts Rountree To Beat Pereira In Utah
During a recent interview with the Kairouz Bros, former UFC light heavyweight prospect Tyson Pedro was asked to give his prediction for the next title fight in the division he formerly competed in.
The Australian made an emphatic Octagon debut as an undefeated fighter back in November 2016, submitting Rountree in the first round at a Melbourne-held UFC Fight Night.
While he'll be willing "The War Horse" on to become champ due to his past victory over him, Pedro legitimately believes that the 32-year-old's edge in "mentality" could pave the way for a surprise title crowning in the "Beehive State."
Is he fighting Alex? ... That's a mad fight," Pedro said. "That's a hard one (to predict). I think Khalil's more aggressive and violent in his approach, as of recently. if you see his (fights), it feels like he wants to kill the people now. ... I don't know if I can go against — you know what, I'm gonna go Khalil because of mentality.
I think Pereira's on a bit of (a high) and he's just chilling. Once you get content — that's the only reason I'm saying it. But I'll go Khalil on that," Pedro continued. "And also, I want him to win so then I can say I beeat him. Technically I'm the champ! MMA math!
Pereira and Rountree's title clash will top a stacked lineup in Salt Lake City to kick off October. In addition to another championship bout between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña, the likes of Kayla Harrison, José Aldo, Kevin Holland, and Stephen Thompson will all return to the cage.
Loading tweet...