We asked AI to predict the winner for UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (And it gave a perfect reply)
The UFC 307 event will witness Alex Pereira take on Khalil Rountree Jr. Many view it as a striking fan's dream fight come true. Google's AI Gemini has put forth its prediction for the much-awaited matchup.
Pereira has competed twice in 2024, whereas the No.8-ranked Rountree hasn't fought since December 2023. 'Poatan' defends his UFC light heavyweight championship against Rountree in the headlining match of UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Oct. 5.
A number of fans have criticized the booking, citing that a title shot for the No.2-ranked Magomed Ankalaev is long overdue and Pereira should've fought him instead. Some have argued that Rountree is yet to notch enough victories over high-ranking opposition, doesn't possess the championship-caliber experience, and would probably be dominated by the champion.
Google's AI Gemini seems to have echoed similar sentiments. It predicted that Pereira would likely secure a dominant KO/TKO victory against Rountree at UFC 307. The three reasons for the pick are Pereira's greater striking skills, his dominant championship reign, and Rountree's supposed limitations.
It pointed out that Pereira is a tremendously skilled striker and former two-division Glory kickboxing titlist, whose timing, precision, and power are unparalleled inside the octagon. Secondly, it highlighted that Pereira has wreaked havoc since entering the UFC, putting away elite contenders and reigning as the division's ruler.
Thirdly, Rountree was acknowledged as a dangerous striker, but it was emphasized that he's previously struggled against elite opposition. The American's defense and ability to deal with 'Poatan's' caliber of striking were cited as important variables at play.
Moreover, it was noted that though Rountree boasts KO power, Pereira's a sizeable favorite to successfully defend his belt because of his defensive prowess and better striking skills. It was underscored that 'Poatan' would bag a clear-cut win at UFC 307 by utilizing his signature strikes.
Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. prediction - Former champion picks 'Poatan' to win UFC 307 fight
Alex Pereira is a former Glory middleweight and light heavyweight champion. Pereira is also a former UFC middleweight champion. He's lost just once in the UFC, that too against an opponent he previously defeated. The 37-year-old Pereira (11-2 MMA) has reigned as the UFC light heavyweight champion since November 2023 and has notched two successful title defenses thus far.
Meanwhile, Rountree boasts a professional MMA record of 13 wins, five losses, and a no-contest. The 34-year-old American has lately established himself as a force to be reckoned with at 205 pounds, particularly earning praise for his incredible Muay Thai skills and overall striking prowess.
While the vast majority of fans and experts appear to view Pereira's victory as a foregone conclusion, a few others like MMA fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen have warned about Rountree possibly pulling off a major upset.
At a UFC Q&A session in Perth, Australia, last month, Jiri Prochazka asserted that he believes he'd beat Pereira in a potential trilogy fight despite having lost to him twice. Furthermore, Prochazka addressed the UFC 307 matchup and seemingly picked Pereira to handily beat Rountree. The former UFC light heavyweight champion said:
"I really don't understand the chance for [Khalil] Rountree."
Watch Jiri Prochazka's assessment below: