Introduction
UFC 307, held on October 5, 2024, in Salt Lake City, delivered a night of intense action, with Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event. The event thrilled MMA fans with exciting matchups, title changes, and outstanding performances that shook up the divisions. Let’s dive into the highlights of the main event and other key moments from the card (UFC)(Sporting News).
Main Event Breakdown: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Round One: Rountree's Aggression
Khalil Rountree Jr. came out strong, pressing Pereira with fast, precise strikes and controlling much of the first round. Returning from a year-long suspension, Rountree seemed eager to prove himself, showcasing power and resilience. His approach put Pereira on the back foot early, landing clean shots that kept the champion cautious.
Alex Pereira's Adjustment and Comeback
As the rounds progressed, Alex Pereira—known for his resilience and elite kickboxing—began to find his rhythm. In the third round, Pereira exploited the openings left by Rountree, focusing on low kicks that slowed the challenger down. The turning point came in the fourth round, when Pereira intensified his attack with a series of knees, uppercuts, and elbows that forced Rountree to the ground(Sporting News).
The Technical Knockout
The fight ended in a TKO victory for Pereira after a flurry of strikes, as the referee stepped in to stop the bout. With this win, Pereira successfully defended his title and now considers potential challenges, including a bout against Magomed Ankalaev or a move to another weight division (UFC).
Co-Main Event: Julianna Peña Reclaims the Bantamweight Title
The co-main event featured Julianna Peña regaining the bantamweight title with a split decision victory over Raquel Pennington. The fight was closely contested, with Pennington showcasing solid stand-up skills while Peña focused on takedowns and ground control. The final round saw both fighters have their moments, but Peña’s grappling edge helped secure her second reign as bantamweight champion(Sporting News).
Other Highlights from UFC 307
- Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland: Dolidze won by TKO after a rib injury forced Kevin Holland out of the fight. The match started evenly but shifted in Dolidze's favor when Holland's injury became apparent in the second round( ).
- Mario Bautista vs. Jose Aldo: Bautista edged out Aldo in a split decision victory. Aldo displayed his renowned takedown defense, but Bautista’s consistent pressure and wrestling gave him the edge, extending his win streak to seven(UFC).
Impact and What’s Next
What’s Next for Alex Pereira?
With this victory, Alex Pereira solidifies his position at the top of the light heavyweight division. A potential clash with Magomed Ankalaev, a leading contender, could be next, or Pereira might even consider a move up to the heavyweight division for new challenges.
Julianna Peña’s Next Move
Now back as champion, Julianna Peña has a range of possible future matchups, including a potential trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes, who retired in 2023. Another possibility is a showdown with Kayla Harrison, who has been vocal about wanting a shot at the title (Sporting News).
Conclusion
UFC 307 left a significant mark on the light heavyweight and bantamweight divisions, with standout performances and future matchups now taking shape. Alex Pereira’s victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. reaffirms his status as one of the top fighters today, while Julianna Peña's win marks her return to the spotlight in the bantamweight division.
For more details about the event and a complete breakdown of the results, visit the official UFC website