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Video: UFC King Alex Pereira Trades with Professional Heavyweight Boxer

Video: UFC King Alex Pereira Trades with Professional Heavyweight Boxer Ahead of his third title defense of 2024, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira put in work with Brazilian…

Ahead of his third title defense of 2024, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira put in work with Brazilian knockout artist Igor Adiel Macedo.

On Saturday, ‘Poatan’ will put his 205-pound title up for grabs after netting a pair of back-to-back highlight-reel KOs earlier this year against Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka. This time, Pereira will face another heavy hitter as he meets streaking standout Khalil Rountree in the UFC 307 headliner.

Recently, Pereira shared a video on YouTube of him going for rounds with Macedo, a 13-1 professional boxer with all 13 of his victories coming by way of knockout.

It’s certainly not the first time ‘Poatan’ has tested his skills against a world-class pugilist. In 2023, Pereira posted footage of him sparring with Olympic boxer Khalil Coe.

Alex Pereira faces another heavy hitter at UFC 307

In less than three years with the promotion, Alex Pereira has amassed an impressive 8-1 record, including victories over a slew of former world champions like Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Jan Blachowicz, and the aforementioned Hill and Prochazka.

Hoping to shock the world in Salt Lake City, Khalil Rountree has established himself as one of the promotion’s exciting KO artists, finishing seven of his nine opponents. ‘The War Horse’ is currently riding a five-fight win streak with his most recent W coming against one-time title challenger Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith at a Fight Night event in December.

Two-Time UFC Champion Carla Esparza States Hall Of Fame Ambition Ahead Of Retirement Fight

Carla Esparza recently shared her aspiration to secure a place in the UFC Hall of Fame as she approaches her retirement fight. Esparza is gearing up to step into the Octagon for the final time, as she is set to face Tecia Pennington on the preliminary card of UFC 307. This highly anticipated pay-per-view event […]

Continue Reading Two-Time UFC Champion Carla Esparza States Hall Of Fame Ambition Ahead Of Retirement Fight at MMA News.

Carla Esparza recently shared her aspiration to secure a place in the UFC Hall of Fame as she approaches her retirement fight.

Esparza is gearing up to step into the Octagon for the final time, as she is set to face Tecia Pennington on the preliminary card of UFC 307. This highly anticipated pay-per-view event will take place this Saturday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The 36-year-old Californian has previously announced that UFC 307 will mark the end of her illustrious 15-year career as she prepares to hang up her gloves for good.

*RETIREMENT FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT*
I will be stepping into The UFC Octagon on Saturday, October 5th for the final time. After almost 15 years as a professional, fighting the best of the best, I feel it’s time to hang up my gloves. #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/NUZwPcOqxx

— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) August 2, 2024

“Cookie Monster” began her professional journey in February 2010, securing a first-round TKO victory against Cassie Trost under the regional promotion Respect in the Cage. She fought her way through various organizations before ultimately entering the UFC as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 20 in 2014.

Esparza etched her name in the history books by submitting Rose Namajunas in the third round, becoming the first UFC strawweight champion at the TUF season finale. However, her reign was short-lived, as she later lost the title to Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 185 in March 2015.

Esparza endured an arduous journey of 11 fights over seven years to reclaim the 115-pound championship, ultimately securing a split-decision victory against Namajunas at UFC 274 in May 2022.

Esparza Wants To Join The Ranks Of Jedrzejczyk & Ronda Rousey To Cap Off Her MMA Career

During a recent interview with Brian Campbell, “Cookie Monster” reflected on her journey in MMA, with a particular focus on her time in the UFC. When asked about her place in the history of the division, which has significantly evolved during her tenure, the former two-time strawweight champion expressed her desire to conclude her career with an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.

“I’d love to eventually be in the Hall of Fame. I mean, that would be so cool,” Esparza said. “I think winning the title the first time was like seeing where I was as a fighter then to where I am now; there’s been so much growth. I mean, you have to grow to still stay in this division with all these killers. Everyone is so good, and there’s young blood constantly coming through the UFC. You have to be at such a high level even just to compete with these people, so it’s cool to have been able to stay at this high level and compete with all these youngsters coming in.”

Should Esparza be inducted into the Hall of Fame, she would become just the third woman in UFC history to receive this honor, standing alongside the legendary Jedrzejczyk and Ronda Rousey.

“Cookie Monster” is set to make her return to the Octagon after nearly two years, following her defeat to Zhang Weili, who submitted her in the second round at UFC 281 in November 2022.

Read More: What’s Next After UFC 306? Full Confirmed UFC 307 Main Card For Salt Lake City On October 5

Continue Reading Two-Time UFC Champion Carla Esparza States Hall Of Fame Ambition Ahead Of Retirement Fight at MMA News.

Raquel Pennington Says UFC Brass Want to See Julianna Peña ‘Get her a** beat for five rounds’

Raquel Pennington doesn’t understand why Julianna Pena continues to get big fights. While ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ holds a solid…

Raquel Pennington doesn’t understand why Julianna Pena continues to get big fights.

While ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ holds a solid 7-3 record under the UFC banner, her appearances have been few and far between since her shocking second-round submission victory over Amanda Nunes nearly four years ago. In the time since, Pena has only fought once, losing a decisive unanimous decision against ‘The Lioness’ in their UFC 277 rematch.

Pena and Nunes were scheduled to complete their trilogy a year later in Vancouver, but the TUF alumnus withdrew from the bout due to injury. Nunes went on to pummel replacement opponent Irene Aldana for five rounds before laying down her titles and walking away from the sport.

Two and a half years removed from her last fight, Pena is scheduled to co-main event UFC 307 this Saturday in Salt Lake City as she challenges reigning bantamweight queen Raquel Pennington.

Speaking with MMA Fighting, ‘Rocky’ was baffled by how Pena managed to find herself in another title fight despite being inactive due to injuries for the past 27 months. Pennington also suggested that there are those behind the scenes in the UFC actively rooting against Pena every time she steps inside the Octagon.

“I don’t understand how this girl can stay injured and then she comes back and all of a sudden she’s getting a big fight and then she’s injured and then she comes back and she’s getting something else and it’s like who’s managing you? Like what are you doing here? Whatever you’re doing, great, it’s working for you, congratulations, you had like whatever for yourself but it just doesn’t make sense to me and so I’m like alright.

“At the end of the day, UFC is going to do what UFC does and you know, I won’t say a name but some people in UFC have said like, ‘Hey, everybody loves watching Julianna get her a** beat for five rounds’, so why not?” (h/t MMA News)

Raquel Pennington seeks her seventh straight win at UFC 307

With more than 15 years in the fight game, Raquel Pennington has seen her fair share of ups and downs inside the cage. Between 2018 and 2020, ‘Rocky’ lost three out of four, including a fifth-round TKO to Amanda Nunes. However, Pennington has since won six straight capped off by her title-winning performance against Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297.

If she can earn a win over Pena, Pennington will likely be tasked with taking out Kayla Harrison next in what would undoubtedly be the biggest fight of her career.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist will also return to the Octagon this weekend seeking her second win under the promotion banner against No. 2 ranked Ketlen Vieira. Of course, if for any reason Pena can’t make the walk at UFC 307, Harrison will be more than ready to step in and take her spot in the co-headliner.

Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington believes upcoming challenger Julianna Peña may see the error of her ways soon enough. Pennington is set to make her first defense of the 135-pound title in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view, which comes nine months on from her capturing of the vacant belt in Canada […]

Continue Reading Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307 at MMA News.

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington believes upcoming challenger Julianna Peña may see the error of her ways soon enough.

Pennington is set to make her first defense of the 135-pound title in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view, which comes nine months on from her capturing of the vacant belt in Canada to kick off 2024.

Having achieved her championship ambitions, “Rocky” has the chance to solidify her status as divisional queen by stalling the two-time goals of ex-champ Peña.

Their contest and many other notable bouts will go down at the high altitude of Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend. But when it comes to the effect that has, the two co-headliners see things very differently…

Pennington Rejects Peña’s Altitude Claim Ahead Of Utah-Held UFC 307

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Pennington reacted to some recent remarks regarding the impact of altitude from her opponent on October 5.

Peña opted against heading to Salt Lake City early to acclimate, branding such a move “unnecessary” when she’s in good shape. The champ sees that decision as a “mistake.”

“Just being born and raised in altitude, yeah, I would say that’s a mistake,” Pennington said. “Altitude is not a joke. It really does affect people. You know how many people come here to visit and are like, ‘Oh my gosh, we don’t understand why we’re feeling this or we’re feeling that and we’re just standing here.’ It’s the altitude, and then when you’re pushing your body to the limit, it plays a part.

“I notice a big difference when I go anywhere else. Sometimes I have to really slow down and control my breathing because I feel like I’m actually getting too much air, and I kind of hyperventilate a little bit, so I have to train my breathing a little different,” Pennington continued. “It’s something that I think every athlete should take into consideration, especially if you’re going to go push yourself to the limit.”

“The Venezuelan Vixen” will look to prove that assessment wrong by making good on her prediction of recapturing the bantamweight championship after a fight-week arrival in the “Beehive State.”

Read More: Raquel Pennington: UFC Staff Told Me They ‘Love’ To See Julianna Peña Get Beat Up

Continue Reading Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307 at MMA News.

Khalil Rountree On What He Brings To The Table Different To Alex Pereira’s Former Opponents

Khalil Rountree comes into his first UFC title shot as a pretty sizable underdog at UFC 307, this weekend. In what will be his 15th time stepping inside the Octagon, he will challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title in Salt Lake City. A big reason why a lot of people believe that “Poatan” […]

Continue Reading Khalil Rountree On What He Brings To The Table Different To Alex Pereira’s Former Opponents at MMA News.

Khalil Rountree comes into his first UFC title shot as a pretty sizable underdog at UFC 307, this weekend.

In what will be his 15th time stepping inside the Octagon, he will challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title in Salt Lake City.

A big reason why a lot of people believe that “Poatan” will retain his title on Saturday night is the style that his next challenger brings to the table.

The #8-ranked contender finds himself in position for a title shot because he’s able to produce devastating knockouts with his striking skills which, ultimately, makes him an ideal match-up for Pereira because of his elite kickboxing background.

Khalil Rountree Says That His Belief And Overall Ability As A Fighter Sets Him Apart

Only Israel Adesanya has been able to defeat Pereira since the Brazilian entered the UFC and he did that whilst striking with “Poatan”.

That being said, it’s hard for many to imagine Rountree out-striking the champion because though he’s very dangerous, he doesn’t have the same extensive kickboxing pedigree of either Adesanya or Pereira.

In fact, the challenger believes that rather than his striking being better than the champion’s, it’s his overall ability as a fighter and current self-belief that makes him different to Pereira’s previous opponents.

He is confident that this is the right time and place for him to capitalize on this opportunity, as he spoke about in a recent interview with ESPN MMA on fight-week.

“It’s a little bit difficult for me to say this but I’m going to do this because I should. What makes me different is my overall ability compared to the guys that he’s fought. I feel like my strength and my athletic ability and my discipline, my skills, my experience, I think that like all of that kind of plays into me and my style and I don’t think that there’s been a fighter that is as like put together as I am and feel now.

“I’ve been through a lot and I’ve spent my whole career in the UFC and this is the first time that like I can fully back myself. I don’t have to talk and yap and sometimes it’s uncomfortable for me to say, like I feel amazing. I am 100%, I have belief in myself and I don’t know who can present the same… the same stuff that I have right now. I don’t know, there’s just something that I feel in myself right now.”

Continue Reading Khalil Rountree On What He Brings To The Table Different To Alex Pereira’s Former Opponents at MMA News.

Kayla Harrison On Potential Amanda Nunes Return Stealing Title Shot Away From Her

Kayla Harrison is focused on earning her second win inside the Octagon when she returns this weekend at UFC 307. If the former PFL star is able to get past Ketlen Vieira in Salt Lake City, there will be no denying that she is the next contender in line. In fact, she had hoped to […]

Continue Reading Kayla Harrison On Potential Amanda Nunes Return Stealing Title Shot Away From Her at MMA News.

Kayla Harrison is focused on earning her second win inside the Octagon when she returns this weekend at UFC 307.

If the former PFL star is able to get past Ketlen Vieira in Salt Lake City, there will be no denying that she is the next contender in line.

In fact, she had hoped to be fighting for the title in the fight that will happen later on in the night between the champion Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña.

There is potentially one scenario that could prevent this from happening, though, if a certain former champion decides that she wants her belt back.

Kayla Harrison Says She’s Happy For Amanda Nunes To Cut The Line Only After She Is Champion

Harrison has expressed some concern that Peña could hold the title up if she becomes champion this weekend because she isn’t the most active fighter on the roster.

The other factor to consider is that if Peña does win the belt back against Pennington, there’s a trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes that she has been very vocal about getting.

Nunes announced her retirement in June last year and vacated the title in the process, meaning that she would seemingly be granted a title shot if “The Lioness” decided to step back in.

Harrison has spoken about welcoming Nunes back but obviously, her title shot may have to wait if the former champion calls next.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Harrison said that she hopes this doesn’t happen, at least until she already has the belt in her hands.

“Yeah I mean, I hope not. I just don’t think she’ll ever fight me so I don’t think that her cutting the line, beating up Peña again and taking another big payday and then leaving, like that would really p*** me off. So I hope that I fight for the title and then if she wants to come cut the line, she’s more than welcome.”

Continue Reading Kayla Harrison On Potential Amanda Nunes Return Stealing Title Shot Away From Her at MMA News.