Pereira at short odds to beat Rountree in UFC 307 title fight

Never has Alex Pereira been more favoured to win a fight at light heavyweight than for his bout with Khalil Rountree Jr in the UFC 307 main event in Salt Lake City this Sunday (AEDT).

The defending champion is paying $1.20 at UFC betting sites to beat the No.8 contender in his third title defence, while Rountree is a long $4.80 to win.

Prior to this week, the Brazilian’s shortest odds in the division were $1.61, with Neds paying this ahead of his April 2024 fight against Jamahal Hill.

Pereira admitted at the UFC 307 media event this week that he was surprised to be fighting Rountree next.

“I did not envision that,” he said.

“I think in his previous fight the mentioned my name, but he was far behind in the ranks, so it didn’t come to mind.

“But you have to prepare for him. He does deserve it.

“The same happened with me.

“He kind of jumped on the rankings, but is due to the work that he puts in.

“I put the work like that too, keep beating some guys and then the opportunity presents.”

Pereira is 8-1 since debuting in the UFC in 2021 and is riding a four-fight winning streak, having lost just once to Israel Adesanya in April 2023.

Rountree looks to leverage momentum, striking against Pereira

Pereira’s opponent at UFC 307 also steps into the octagon with plenty of momentum.

Rountree has won five in a row since 2021 after only winning four of his first nine fights in the promotion.

“I know that momentum can be a great thing,” the American said of his recent success.

“I that momentum can allow us to have a certain type of confidence, which can be good.

“But I think the both of us on each side know what we’re up against.

“I’d like to believe that he’s not going to come in overconfident.

“That’s what I’d like to believe. I’d like to believe that he’s coming in his very best.”

UFC pundits have speculated that Rountree might need to alter his style due to Pereira’s striking prowess.

However, the challenger has assured MMA fans that they can expect to see a standup contest in Utah.

“My gameplan hasn’t changed,” Rountree said.

“I’m not a wrestler, so don’t expect me diving for legs for five rounds.

“Everyone has known me for pretty much my striking and my striking style.

“Don’t expect anything different just because it’s a title shot, and I’m going up against Alex, who’s also a striker.”

Top online bookmakers are also anticipating some heavy hitting at the Delta Center, as the knockout is the shortest-priced method of victory for both Pereira ($1.33) and Rountree ($6).

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