UFC 307 live results: Alex Pereira brutalizes Khalil Rountree Jr. to ...

6 Oct 2024

Yahoo Sports

UFC 307 live results Alex Pereira brutalizes Khalil Rountree Jr to

Alex Pereira is a violent man.

Khalil Rountree Jr.'s plan appeared to be working for a while at UFC 307, until Alex Pereira did what he usually does.

The result: a fourth-round KO and further evidence that Pereira is a terrifying individual, not to mention still the UFC light heavyweight champ. It was over when a Pereira combination left Rountree bent over, but the blood was flying long before that. The Delta Center crowd watched him break a man down.

The damage was bad enough that Rountree had to pause his postfight interview because his nose started bleeding again.

Pereira approached the first round like usual, standing tall in front of his opponent and trying to overwhelm them with power, plus sheer intimidation. In Rountree, though, he found a similarly lethal striker, as well a southpaw stance that made his timing trickier than usual.

The challenger landed some clean shots on the champion in the early going. Pereira was finding home too, but it was a different sight than Pereira's past title fights that ended with him standing victorious over a dazed opponent in the first couple rounds.

It got real toward the end of the second round, when a Rountree hard right briefly dropped Pereira. Rountree kept coming, maintaining a frenetic pace that had him gasping for air at the fence between rounds.

Rountree won the first two rounds on the judges' cards, but Pereira remained his stoic self. He began to exert control in the third, when he really started to do some damage to Rountree's face. As Rountree's pace faded in the championship rounds, Pereira just kept coming, exerting his usual pressure on an opponent that was probably banking on a more damaging surprise in the first few rounds.

As the swelling built on Rountree's face, Pereira just kept hitting him harder.

Pereira was a predator and Rountree was bleeding. It ended the usual way at UFC 307.

The win provides another argument for Pereira as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. As for what happens next, Pereira said he was open for a jump to heavyweight, but insisted he was happy remaining at light heavyweight. Wherever he ends up, it will probably be bad news for the fighters there.

Julianna Peña reclaims her bantamweight gold in the co-main

Before the main event, Julianna Peña re-captured the UFC bantamweight crown in the co-main with a split decision win over Raquel Pennington.

It was a controversial decision. After a close first round, Peña landed takedowns in the second and third round to take the lead, then Pennington started landing some major shots in the championship rounds. Many had Pennington retaining her belt, but two of the three judges thought differently.

Peña's win makes her the second two-time UFC bantamweight champion in the promotion's history, behind Amanda Nunes. Peña implored Nunes to come out of retirement and complete their trilogy, but the more likely challenger was watching from inside the Delta Center.

Former PFL champ Kayla Harrison defeated No. 2 bantamweight Ketlen Vieira to open the main card and set herself up for a title shot. She could be seen laughing on the ESPN PPV as Peña called for someone else. It will likely be Harrison, who has appeared earmarked for a title fight since she agreed to join the UFC.

Mario Bautista and Roman Dolidze were the other victors on the main card, respectively defeating Jose Aldo and Kevin Holland. Here's how it all played out via Uncrowned and Yahoo Sports:

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER145 updates

Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:40 AM GMT+2

What we learned:

— Rountree is super tough

— Pereira is super good

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:21 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:19 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:17 AM GMT+2

Pereira is a machine. He put Rountree in that meat grinder and never let up.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024

Alex Periera is just ridiculous man. Carrying MMA on his back in 2024 and delivering every single time. #UFC307

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:17 AM GMT+2

That is a terrifying man.

— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) October 6, 2024

HOLLLLLY SHIT. That was nuts.

What heart. What violence. Holy smokes.

Pereira via KO in the 4th.

Male fighter of the year. MVP. Give him all the awards.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 6, 2024

Pereira is a machine. He put Rountree in that meat grinder and never let up.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:13 AM GMT+2

Poatan ends it with 4th-round assault

The champion unloads and Rountree eats an incredible amount of shots before crumpling to the ground in agony. Just an absolute beatdown from Pereira to retain the title.

The thing is you’re gonna have to kill Pereira…

— Chuck Mindenhall (@ChuckMindenhall) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:08 AM GMT+2

Round 3 ends

Best round yet for Pereira. That pressure is getting to Rountree. Looking labored and tired as Pereira just keeps pressing him.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:04 AM GMT+2

The shot that dropped the champion
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:02 AM GMT+2

What a second round for Rountree. Rocked Pereira with a right hook and then landed a beaut head kick. Very possibly up 20-18.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:01 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM GMT+2

Rountree drops Pereira!

Poatan pops back up, but he's on notice after getting caught by Rountree.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:57 AM GMT+2

Better first round than I expected for Rountree. But Pereira is just so comfortable and has established that calf kick already while looking to set up that left hook.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:56 AM GMT+2

Round 1 ends

These guys were throwing with bad intentions in that first round. Sheesh.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:48 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:45 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:44 AM GMT+2

Alex Pereira: best walkout in the game right now.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024

Don't think anyone has as much of an aura in MMA right now as Alex Pereira does. Guy is magnetic.

— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:41 AM GMT+2

Prediction for Alex Pereira (11-2) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (13-5, 1 NC)

For his third light heavyweight title defense, the champion Pereira, 37, is justifiably favored as the -450 favorite, the second largest on the card.

Let’s just say it now: Both of the title fights at UFC 307 feature challengers who should not be next in line. If meritocracy has to die to have some fun, then so be it, says the UFC. Enter the No. 7-ranked contender and “GLORY Kickboxing Killer” Rountree.

Rountree, 34, is undeniably on the best stretch of his 10-year pro career, riding a five-fight win streak. Of those five, Rountree has finished four of his opponents with strikes, including one-time title challenger Anthony Smith in his most recent win this past December.

I mentioned the fun little “GLORY Killer” nickname for Rountree, stemming from when he bested former kickboxing standouts Dustin Jacoby and Gokhan Saki, the latter of which was a stunning 2018 upset. As a +340 underdog, Rountree hopes to replicate that same epic performance against another former GLORY champion with his vicious kicks and elbows.

That won’t be anything new for Pereira. The champ has seen it all in the striking department, with his largest hurdles coming against his longtime rival, former middleweight king Israel Adesanya. Other than his loss to Adesanya, Pereira has struggled minimally in kickboxing-themed MMA affairs. It would be wise for Rountree to try and exploit the weaker area of Pereira’s game — the champ's grappling — but he’s already stated in interviews that he won’t go down that route. Whether that’s all just mind games, Pereira has continually improved his takedown defense and overall ground acumen to the point where Rountree won’t be much of a threat there.

But Pereira can be hit, and with power like Rountree’s, that could be trouble. It’s just a matter of finding his shot first, which is the problem. Pereira’s timing and counters are virtually unmatched in the heavier weight classes, and oh, he has one of the greatest equalizers in MMA history with that nuclear left hook, if not the greatest. The man can hurt people anywhere on the feet and he’ll add to his highlight reel here, especially if Rountree doesn’t even mix in a threat of wrestling.

It could be something crazy like Thiago Santos vs. Jimi Manuwa while it lasts, but ultimately, we’ll hear Bruce Buffer announce, “And still.”

Pick: Pereira
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:39 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:35 AM GMT+2

Up next: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.

Who they are: Pereira is the 205-pound champ who’s been dusting off challengers with the greatest of ease since moving up to claim his second title in a second UFC division. Rountree is the underrated slugger who finds himself in a championship fight by the vagaries of the UFC calendar.

Why it matters: If Pereira can notch another successful title defense, it might be time to reconsider his offer to move up to heavyweight. (No offense to Magomed Ankalaev, who probably deserved this title shot; it’s just that no one really cares about him all that much.) If Rountree pulls off the upset, he’ll be responsible for one of the biggest shocks of the year in MMA — and he’ll probably be forced to turn right around and do it again. Either way, this fight offers us another chance to watch Pereira speed run a Hall of Fame MMA career. You have to admit it’s gone amazingly well so far.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:30 AM GMT+2

I'm ready to cross Utah off on the list of states to put on hiatus from MMA. Ridiculous night of officiating in every aspect.

— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:28 AM GMT+2

Wow.

Julianna Peña wins via SD!

48-47 Pennington48-47 Peña48-47 Peña

Harrison x Peña gonna be lit.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:27 AM GMT+2

RESULT: Julianna Peña def. Raquel Pennington by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:25 AM GMT+2

I say Pennington. She actually did stuff.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024

3-2 Pennington, imo. 48-47.

The champ turned it around after starting 0-2.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:24 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:23 AM GMT+2

Round 5 ends

And we're going to the judges' scorecards. Pennington finished the fight strong and will likely retain her title. Peña looked gassed in those final 5 minutes.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:19 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:18 AM GMT+2

Rocky absolutely thumped Pena in that one. I think it comes down to this final round, gang... Things heating up.

— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:18 AM GMT+2

Round 4 ends

The momentum is in the champ's favor heading into the fifth round after she dropped Peña in the fourth:
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:16 AM GMT+2

Pennington drops Peña with a big right hand!

Peña hit the canvas, but was able to fend off Pennington's follow-up shots and get back to her feet.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:13 AM GMT+2

Pennington just has nothing for Pena on the mat so far. She needs to keep this fight standing.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:12 AM GMT+2

Round 3 ends

Another Peña rounds ends with the former champ working toward a submission from the current champ's back.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:06 AM GMT+2

Pennington rocking an egg on her forehead

That lump on Pennington’s forehead is gnarly and I couldn’t really see what it came from. Gonna hurt in the morning though.

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:05 AM GMT+2

Round 2 ends

Three minutes into the second, which was largely a striking battle, Peña secured a big takedown and was able to control Pennington, but didn't do much with the position. The champ made her way back to her feet, but ended up with Peña on her back before the bell rang.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 6:01 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:59 AM GMT+2

Round 1 ends

A feeling-out round between the champ and the former champ. Rocky with the slight edge after landing the bigger shots and having Peña fighting on her back foot.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:52 AM GMT+2

Starting now: Pennington vs. Peña for the women's bantamweight title
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:48 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:45 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:41 AM GMT+2

Prediction for Raquel Pennington (16-8) vs. Julianna Peña (11-5)

The purist in me struggles so mightily looking at these title fights.

Don’t be fooled. Peña’s return two days shy of an 800-day absence comes after one of the most lopsided title losses in MMA history with her Amanda Nunes rematch. Injuries extended her time away and axed what was supposed to be a Nunes trilogy in June 2023. For her sake and ours, that was for the best.

Nonetheless, Peña is back in the title scene to try to dethrone Pennington and join the select few female fighters to become two-time UFC champions.

What Pennington lacks in finishing ability, she makes up for technically with her tight boxing and underrated clinch work. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective and gets the job done, whereas Peña is wild, chaotic and the exact opposite in the standup department. Nunes capitalized on the latter fact with three knockdowns in the Peña rematch.

Peña's X-factor against everyone is her tenacity, aggression and relentless pursuit of takedowns. But another area that Pennington is underrated in is her grappling defense. She may give up takedowns — she's acquiesced nine to her opponents on this current six-fight win streak — but she knows how to avoid being held down or put in compromising positions. In all but two of those fights, Pennington beat her opponents in control time, and in one of the two that she didn’t, the end result was a guillotine submission win over Macy Chiasson.

As durable and gritty as they come, Pennington has only been finished twice in her career. Peña will hope to grind out the champion and reclaim her title if a finish doesn’t materialize. That will make the fight a bit of a close slog coming down to whoever is more effective with their damage, and Pennington should edge that out for her first title defense.

Pick: Pennington
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:40 AM GMT+2

History about to be made, friends.

First time in the history of MMA that a member of the Parlay Pals fights for a major title.

Pretty big. Buckle up.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 6, 2024

Second title fight of the post-Nunes era. Pennington's story doesn't get enough love. Rose to the top after 10 years on the roster, joining Charles Oliveira and Robbie Lawler as the only ones to do that... Pretty good company. First challenger: Her season's winner of TUF, Pena.

— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:40 AM GMT+2

Official stats for Aldo vs. Bautista

Via UFCStats.com
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:37 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:36 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:35 AM GMT+2

Rogan said the judges weren’t even looking. That was Jose’s story. Bullshit decision. He has just said he was shooting in just to hold him against the fence. That’s not good enough. Referees need to step in here. This sport is the fans sport. Remember this and act accordingly…

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:35 AM GMT+2

30 second clock. 20 second clock, 10 second, 8 second, 6 second etc etc etc Separate, seperate, separate. No point prolonging these positions as if they haven’t taken place exactly the same way prior and nothing has taken place but stawling. My opinion. Ya’s want blood, call us. https://t.co/XWQeLMUUGY

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:34 AM GMT+2

Up next: Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña

Who they are: Pennington is the current women’s bantamweight champ after winning a decision to claim the vacant title in January. Peña is the former champ who had a cup of coffee with the belt after pulling off a huge upset over women’s MMA GOAT Amanda Nunes (who promptly took the belt right back in the rematch).

Why it matters: The 135-pound weight class used to be the glamor division for women’s MMA. Ever since Nunes peaced out the game, however, it’s felt like an afterthought. No one has really cemented herself as the true top dog, and fan interest in even these title fights feels like it’s at an all-time low. The winner here is almost sure to defend the belt against Harrison soon, but this is a chance for someone to put their stamp on the division — at least for the time being.
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:33 AM GMT+2

Aldo could’ve certainly done more but c’mon, that’s a bad decision…again. #UFC307

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:33 AM GMT+2
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:33 AM GMT+2

Aldo comes up short again in SLC... A name like that doesn't get any bigger on your resume. Bautista gets the split decision.

— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) October 6, 2024
Sun, October 6, 2024 at 5:32 AM GMT+2