Alex Pereira is determined to be one of the best in mixed martial arts history. And he is on the right track, even though that journey has been relatively short in the UFC (he signed in 2021). The Brazilian fighter added his third consecutive defense of the light heavyweight title this morning, after winning by technical knockout in the fourth round against the number 8 contender, Khalil Rountree Jr, who seriously confronted him in the first two rounds. It was a fight above expectations, which indicated that a walk was not out of the question for Pereira. A war without quarter that the super champion knew how to finish it off better.
Poatan (hand of stone) showed off his hitting, a technical strike, slow, thoughtful and powerful in equal parts. His maturity, without a doubt, allowed him to win a fight that was on par with a UFC championship. But before, Rountree Jr. had come out with everything to win the fight, not to be another prey, bait for the hunter. And he was very close to giving the surprise. The managers of the largest MMA league were probably trembling thinking that one of their most entertaining monarchs could be overthrown by number 8 in the rankingbut that didn’t happen.
Let’s go in parts. In the first round of the main event of UFC 308, the challenger came out to finish on the fast track, to confront the champion face to face. That was the strategy: eliminate any iota of respect for Pereira and try to annihilate him at close range. Rountree Jr. landed some powerful blows, which affected Poatan, and he was close to landing the final blow on the Brazilian. Technically, the one-two allowed him to cut the distance and get to Pereira’s face. A first set that the American clearly scored and that made one think that the dynamics of the fight could be spectacular.
Entering the second set, and after seeing the intensity provided by Rountree Jr, it was inevitable to think that we were in Salt Lake City, in the state of Utah, known for being an unfriendly setting for the cardio of the fighters, when the fights were held. at a higher altitude than usual (1,300 meters above sea level). But far from reservations, Rountree Jr. imitated the tone of the first round: insisting on the one-two, seeking the KO from all possible angles. However, Pereira is the champion for a reason, and he knew how to weather the storm, standing well in the octagon. That did not prevent Khalil from landing a tremendous high kick on the Brazilian, which made him stagger. Another assault that traveled to the American’s corner.
They faced the third with a 2-0 in favor of Khalil, and there was no more room for error for Pereira, he had to enter destroyer mode before he got away. And so he did. He put in one more gear despite the fact that the American insisted on eating his toast (and the octagon). However, Khalil’s wear and tear was beginning to be noticeable, and Pereira began to bring out his best version: long combinations of hands and legs, finishing the set even with knees. Assault for the Brazilian.
The main fight went to what are known as championship rounds: the fourth and fifth. It was time to consolidate dynamics: Poatan had to be more aggressive and take advantage of his superiority in range and cardio to turn the fight around, while Khalil wanted to add some power blow that would allow him to score a third round that, in If we went to the cards, it would have been decisive. But the future of the combat already had a destiny: Pereira released his most stellar version and started with his hitting masterclass.
Left hooks that landed, hooks that went straight to the chin, body shots, finishing combinations on top. A technical marvel. Alex Pereira cornered Khalil until he was completely exhausted. It was a matter of time. And it didn’t take long to arrive: the referee stopped the fight and Alex Pereira added his third defense of the light heavyweight belt. His legacy increased. His superstar aura continued to rise. There are already 9 victories and only one setback in the UFC. He has won the title in two divisions and threatens to do so in a third, something that would be historic and unprecedented. Without a doubt, Alex Pereira has established himself as the current UFC superstar and, at 37 years old, he wants to extend his reign. It is in his hands to become one of the five best in history.
