Khalil Rountree’s head coach has provided insights into the strategies they’ll employ as they prepare for a dangerous challenge: facing Alex Pereira at UFC 307. Fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown, as Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title for the third time this year, with Rountree stepping in as a fresh and unique challenger.

While Rountree might not seem like the top-ranked contender on paper, many consider him an intriguing opponent for “Poatan.” Pereira’s knockout power, particularly his vicious left hooks and devastating kicks, has made him one of the UFC’s most feared fighters. Meanwhile, Rountree, known for his aggression and Muay Thai-based offense, offers a style that may pose new questions for the Brazilian champion.

Pereira’s Knockout Power and Unorthodox Style

In a recent interview on the YouTube channel Inside Fighting, Rountree’s coach, John Wood, opened up about their approach to Pereira’s unconventional and lethal striking. Wood, fresh off his success with Merab Dvalishvili’s dominant win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, acknowledged the dangers Pereira brings to the octagon but noted that every fighter has weaknesses that can be exploited.

“There are always layers to peel back to find the right approach,” Wood explained, emphasizing that no fighter is invincible, even one as feared as Pereira.

Wood addressed Pereira’s awkward yet highly effective striking technique. While some may view Pereira’s style as unrefined or even “ugly,” Wood pointed out that it’s precisely this unpredictability that makes Pereira so dangerous. His timing and ability to mislead opponents have consistently led to knockouts, catching seasoned fighters off guard.

“First of all, he has explosive knockout power, which keeps opponents on edge. Additionally, his unorthodox movements often bait fighters into positions where he can finish them quickly,” Wood said. “No matter how sloppy it looks, it works just as well as conventional techniques if you know what you’re doing.”

Rountree, a powerful striker in his own right, will have to navigate Pereira’s feints and traps carefully. One false move could leave him open to the type of knockout that Pereira has delivered so often in his career, particularly with his famous left hook, which knocked out Israel Adesanya during their kickboxing days.

Rountree’s Strategy: Patience and Precision

Wood hinted at the strategic approach they’ll take for UFC 307 without revealing too many specifics. He stressed that Rountree would need to remain patient and avoid getting drawn into unnecessary exchanges with Pereira, who only requires one clean shot to change the course of a fight. Instead, Rountree will focus on picking his moments carefully.

“It’s my job to make sure we don’t fall into any traps. You’ll see Pereira with his hands down, leading with his face. He wants you to think he’s making mistakes, but there’s always a reason behind it,” Wood continued.

One of the critical aspects of their game plan will be not to allow Pereira to dictate the pace of the fight. Pereira often lures opponents into false security with seemingly open stances or gaps in his defense, only to unleash devastating counterattacks. Wood’s goal is to keep Rountree focused and avoid getting caught in those traps.

Additionally, Wood acknowledged that while Pereira’s striking is his primary weapon, there may be openings in his defensive game that Rountree can exploit. Pereira, though powerful, tends to leave himself vulnerable when hunting for knockouts, often relying on his chin to withstand shots. If Rountree can time his counters well, there could be opportunities to land damaging blows.

Will Patience Pay Off for Rountree?

The big question heading into UFC 307 is whether Rountree’s patient and measured approach can lead him to victory. While Pereira is known for his aggressive finishing ability, a fighter like Rountree, who is capable of blending technique with explosive power, could find ways to frustrate the champion. Wood remains confident that by sticking to their strategy, they can avoid Pereira’s traps and potentially pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC history.

However, the challenge of facing Pereira should not be underestimated. Pereira’s past victories over elite competition, including Israel Adesanya, show that he can finish fights at any moment. Rountree will need to remain composed throughout the five-round contest, using his striking, footwork, and mental toughness to counter Pereira’s aggression.

As UFC 307 approaches, all eyes are on whether Rountree can disrupt the reign of one of the most feared champions in the UFC. His coach, John Wood, is convinced they have the tools to do it, but execution will be the key.

UFC 307: Full Fight Card

Main Card

Starts at 3:00 AM BST, Sunday, October 6th – available on BT Sport

Light Heavyweight (Title Fight): Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree Jr
Women’s Bantamweight (Title Fight): Raquel Pennington vs Julianna Pena
Bantamweight: Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista
Women’s Bantamweight: Ketlen Vieira vs Kayla Harrison
Middleweight: Roman Dolidze vs Kevin Holland

Preliminary Card

Starts at 1:00 AM BST, Sunday, October 6th – available on UFC Fight Pass

Welterweight: Stephen Thompson vs Joaquin Buckley
Women’s Strawweight: Marina Rodriguez vs Iasmin Lucindo
Middleweight: Cesar Almeida vs Ihor Potieria
Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez vs Austin Hubbard

Early Prelims

Starts at 11:00 PM BST, Saturday, October 5th – available on UFC Fight Pass

Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann vs Ovince St Preux
Women’s Strawweight: Carla Esparza vs Tecia Pennington
Welterweight: Court McGee vs Mickey Gall

This matchup promises to deliver fireworks, with Pereira defending his belt against a hungry and dangerous Rountree. Will Pereira’s reign continue, or can Rountree seize the moment and capture UFC gold?

Source: MMAnytt.se

▶️ Follow us on Youtube for the best & latest MMA content ▶️