UFC 307 LIVE: Alex Pereira knocks out Khalil Rountree in brutal main event
Relive the action as Alex Pereira brutally knocked out Khalil Rountree at UFC 307
In the main event of UFC 307 on Saturday, Alex Pereira brutally knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr to continue his hot streak in the Octagon.
Rountree provided the biggest challenge yet faced by Pereira as light heavyweight champion - but as the bout entered the championship rounds, an exhausted and bloodied Rountree could only take so much punishment, succumbing to defeat towards the end of the fourth.
In the co-main event, Julianna Pena reclaimed her throne at women’s bantamweight, defeating Raquel Pennington by split decision.
In her post-fight interview, Pena called on Amanda Nunes to come out of retirement to set up a trilogy bout, snubbing any insinuation that Kayla Harrison - who also emerged victorious on Saturday - was next in line for the belt.
Other star fighters in action included Jose Aldo against Mario Bautista, while fan favourite Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson also took to the cage in a star-studded featured prelim against Joaquin Buckley.
Relive all the action and all the undercard results from UFC 307 below:
UFC 307 LIVE: Austin Hubbard vs Alexander Hernandez
Round three
All action round three as both men go in search of a knock out in the final five. Hernandez gets Hubbard up against the fence and lands two heavy hooks but Hubbard responds with big hits of his own, doing damage with front kicks in particular.
In the final minute, Hubbard looks to have Hernandez hurt after connecting flush with two shots, only for Alexander ‘The Great’ to provide a receipt of his own. Both laying into each other for the final seconds as the crowd reaches fever pitch. Buzzer sounds and a decision will be required...
Alexander Hernandez def. Austin Hubbard via split decision (29-28, 29-29, 27-30)
One judge with a slightly perplexing view of the fight compared to his colleagues, deeming that Hernandez didn’t win a single round. Nothing on Howie Booth, mind you.
UFC 307 LIVE: Poatan’s power
Alex Pereira’s knockout power is truly frightening. Will Khalil Rountree become the latest to fall victim?
UFC 307 LIVE: Austin Hubbard vs Alexander Hernandez
Round one
Hernandez rocks Hubbard with a stiff overhand late in the first. Immense showcase of skills to start things off here, looking light on his feet and firing off shots. Hubbard looking to take it to the ground but to no avail.
Round two
Takedowns really aren’t working for Hubbard - he’s nought for nine. All credit to Hernandez, whose takedown defence has been impeccable. However, Hubbard is up on significant strikes in the second. Hernandez has kept up to speed for the most part but may be tiring as we go to a third.
UFC 307 LIVE: Jose Aldo back in action
Jose Aldo is in main card action tonight as he takes on the fast-rising Mario Bautista in his second fight since returning from a short-lived retirement.
An icon of the sport, Aldo’s more recent memories of fighting in Salt Lake City aren’t the best, having experienced just how impactful altitude can be in his UFC 278 bout against cardio king Merab Dvalashvili.
A win tonight against Bautista would be a major statement at bantamweight, showing that the former champ is not simply back in the UFC for a nostalgic farewell tour.
UFC 307 LIVE: Cesar Almeida vs Ihor Potieria
Round three
Potieria is not a happy man as he appears to get poked in the eye again. Almeida is warned to close his fist, but still no point taken away. The Brazlian then lands a beautiful straight right hand before connecting with a hook.
Commentary losing their minds with the referee, who having missed four eyepokes is now seperating clinches after about three seconds. Potieria looks exhausted and ends up on his bag as the buzzer sounds. We go to the scorecards...
Cesar Almeida def. Ihor Potieria via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
A fight that will unfortunately be overshadowed by the performance of referee Dave Seljestad.
UFC 307 LIVE: Cesar Almeida vs Ihor Potieria
Round one
Very relaxed round from the outset from Almeida. Potieria lands a heavy left but the Brazilian counters well. Almeida then follows up with another strong shot and enjoys success with the low kicks. Incredibly potent and efficient striking performance so far from Almeida.
Round two
Stuttered start to the round as Potieria gets poked in the eye THREE times in the space of 90 seconds. No word of warning from the ref and as action begins to flow, Potieria lands a takedown. However, it’s Almeida who does the damage on the ground, raining shots down while also nearly locking in a choke. Potieria survives and gets to a third round.
UFC 307 LIVE: Early prelim results
Here’s a rundown of all the action from tonight’s early prelims in Salt Lake City.
To start the night off, home crowd favourite Court McGee pulled off an impressive submssion victory over Tim Means, getting the RNC in early and forcing a tap.
Two-time strawweight champion Carla Esparza was then just edged out of a retirement victory on her way out of MMA, losing on the scorecards to Tecia Pennington - wife of women’s bantamweight champion Raquel, who is of course in co-main event action later tonight.
And in the featured early prelim, it was another quick submission as Ryan Spann locked in the guillotine after landing a massive right hand on Ovince Saint Preux.
Ryan Spann def. Ovince Saint Preux via first round submission (guillotine, 1:35)
Tecia Pennington def. Carla Esparza via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Court McGee def. Tim Means via first round submission (rear naked choke, 3:19)
Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree
Who will come out on top tonight?
Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree latest odds
Pereira to win - 1/5; Rountree to win - 7/2
Pennington to won - 4/7; Pena to win - 7/5
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