Alex Pereira Picks the Winner of Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Based on Past Experience

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira predicts the upcoming main event between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree.

Alex Pereira Picks the Winner of Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Based on Past Experience

Alex Pereira predicts Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree (via Imago/X)

Alex Pereira was the boogeyman of the UFC light heavyweight division for some time before getting dethroned at UFC 313. Throughout his reign, he has knocked out various top fighters, including Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree. Both the fighters are currently scheduled to take on each other at UFC Baku and ‘Poatan’ has given his prediction.

For the first time in history, UFC is going to make its debut in Baku and the hype around it is massive. Going into the main event, Rountree is the fan favorite to win against the former light heavyweight champion. During his latest interview with UFC, Pereira was asked to give his prediction and the fighter gave a logical reasoning.

They are both great fighters and well rounded. I fought them both so I can say something more accurate. They are both dangerous but I think by my fight against Khalil, I see him having some advantage against Jamahal. That’s my opinion.

Alex Pereira via UFC.com

Pereira fought ‘Sweet Dreams’ at UFC 300 and finished him in round one with his legendary and deadly left hook. Hill had trash-talked heavily leading up to their clash, but his actual performance inside the octagon disappointed many fight fans worldwide. Later in the year, Pereira successfully defended his title, beating knockout artist Rountree at UFC 307.

However, that fight was extremely competitive in the early rounds as the Muay Thai expert came prepared and didn’t budge. Against all odds, the fight went to the fourth round and Pereira had to go into a flow state to beat Rountree. The challenger had bloody nose and finally lost via TKO, giving fans a war that nobody expected.

After losing to Pereira, Rountree stayed inactive but was scheduled to face Hill at UFC Kansas earlier this year. Meanwhile, Jamahal Hill suffered a brutal TKO defeat against former champion Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311 in a wild clash. Now, with both men returning, they’re desperate for a win and looking to secure a future light heavyweight title shot.

Jamahal Hill doesn’t consider Khalil Rountree as a threat despite impressive performance against Alex Pereira

Jamahal Hill had a stunning UFC rise, showcasing knockout power and composure, which quickly pushed him into the title conversation. He captured the vacant light heavyweight title by dominating former champion Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 in a five-round masterclass. Unfortunately, Hill later tore his Achilles tendon and respectfully vacated the belt, allowing the division to move forward competitively.

Alex Pereira knocking out Jamahal Hill
Alex Pereira knocking out Jamahal Hill (via MMA Fighting)

Since returning from injury, Hill has suffered back-to-back losses, making fans question his place in the light heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Rountree went blow for blow against Poatan at UFC 307, having more success than ‘Sweet Dreams.’

Hill’s constant trash-talking and odd excuses after defeats have led to many supporters turning their backs on him. Recently, during an interview MMA Junkie, the fighter completely dismissed the danger that Khalil Rountree brings despite challenging Pereira more effectively.

I just don’t see [Rountree Jr.] as on my level, even with the fights that he’s put in… I haven’t seen anything from anything that makes me think, ‘This dude is on your level.’ Is he dangerous to anybody? It’s a fight. In a fight, anybody can land a shot, and that makes them dangerous and can change the fight. He has my respect in that regard, but to think skill-for-skill, he can match with me? I don’t see it that way.

Jamahal Hill via MMA Junkie

As expected, fans didn’t appreciate the confident claims from Hill before the fight. Nevertheless, this Saturday at the Baku Crystal Hall, the former champion will have the opportunity to bounce back. On the other hand, Khalil Rountree will be looking forward to bringing out a similar fighting spirit as UFC 307.

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