SALT LAKE CITY – Khalil Rountree could have stunned the MMA world together with his sudden title shot. Nevertheless, regardless of not being the clear subsequent contender for a lot of, he doesn’t really feel like he’s being underestimated by Alex Pereira.
Rountree (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) challenges Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) for the UFC gentle heavyweight title this Saturday in the primary occasion of UFC 307. He was ranked No. 13 on the UFC official rankings on the time he was given the title shot, leaping over a number of names many deemed extra worthy of the chance.
But, Rountree feels Pereira is taking him significantly, as he ought to.
“I’d wish to imagine that he’s not going to return in overconfident,” Rountree advised reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 307 media day. “That’s what I’d wish to imagine. I’d wish to imagine that he’s coming in his absolute best. I do know that momentum could be a great point. I that momentum can enable us to have a sure sort of confidence, which might be good, however I believe the each of us on all sides know what we’re up towards.”
Pereira is thought to be the most effective strikers in MMA historical past, and he has a prestigious background in kickboxing. Rountree is assured he can stand with the previous two-time Glory Kickboxing champion and assures the followers that his plan is to strike, not grapple.
“I need to set the document straight as a result of there’s been quite a lot of speak round this takedown and this and that,” Rountree stated. “The primary factor that I used to be attempting to say, my complete profession, everybody has recognized me for just about my putting and my putting model. What I used to be attempting to say is, don’t count on something completely different simply because it’s a title shot, and I’m going up towards Alex, who’s additionally a striker.
“Don’t count on something completely different. Count on me. Count on who you’ve at all times seen. Now, if one thing occurs, and I get broken, there’s no selection however to shoot for a takedown, OK, possibly that occurs. However my gameplan hasn’t modified. I’m not a wrestler, so don’t count on me diving for legs for 5 rounds.”
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