Pereira against Rountree will be “one-sided,” says coach

While some experts are pegging the upset, famed MMA trainer Firas Zahabi agrees with the oddsmakers ahead of the UFC 307 main event.

On Saturday, Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against fellow striker Khalil Rountree and enters the fight as a -500 favorite on some betting lines. Zahabi, head coach of Tristar and long-time mentor of Georges St-Pierre, sees an easy choice in this championship fight.

“Do I think Khalil Rountree has a chance to win? Yes, I do, but I don’t think he will win,” Zahabi said on his YouTube channel. “Why? Pereira has seen everything Khalil Rountree has to offer.”

Although he chooses Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC), Zahabi respects what Rountree (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) has done in his career and highly values ​​his fighting style.

“He’s a very classic Thai fighter, very classic,” Zahabi said of Rountree. “He is a powerful southpaw. Most of his fights, 90 percent of his fights are southpaws, more than that. He has an incredibly strong left hand. He can get things done. He is a powerful kicker. He has a wonderful Muay Thai clinch with knees and elbows, but he mostly focuses on punches and kicks. …. He has never attempted a single takedown in his career. I went through all his struggles. I never remembered a single takedown, not a single one. Maybe like a trip, but he's not interested in bringing the boys down. He doesn't try to shoot Pereira. He’s never won by submission.”

Zahabi greatly appreciates Rountree's impressive performance, but he appreciates even more what “Poatan” has to offer.

“Pereira has that left hook, and that left hook is more unique and special,” Zahabi said. “Pereira is taller, has a longer reach and is more experienced.” That's how I see it. He's just more experienced. He has beaten bigger names. Pereira has more five-round fights, bigger fights, more legendary opponents and a cleaner record. I assume that Pereira can easily win this fight. I give him a 65/35 (percent) chance. I don’t usually cover fights if I think they’re so one-sided.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 307 event hub.