UFC 307: Alex Pereira’s Impact on a Lackluster Card

UFC 307 saw Alex Pereira retain his light heavyweight title with a fourth-round TKO over Khalil Rountree Jr., while Julianna Peña controversially reclaimed the women’s bantamweight belt, amidst a night of notable fights and contentious decisions.


UFC 307 wrapped up with Alex Pereira still reigning as the light heavyweight champ.

Last Saturday in Salt Lake City, Pereira defended his title with a fourth-round TKO against Khalil Rountree Jr. It was a surprisingly competitive bout. With three successful defenses now, he’s leading the race for Fighter of the Year.

But wait, there’s more! Julianna Peña reclaimed the women’s bantamweight belt in a controversial decision over Raquel Pennington during the co-main event. Meanwhile, Kayla Harrison scored a big win, Jose Aldo lost another contentious decision, and plenty more unfolded. So let’s dive into all things UFC 307 with our MMA Fighting crew.


1. What is your brief review of UFC 307?

Heck: Weird. Wacky. Wild. Like dining at Olive Garden—enjoying salad and breadsticks—then ending with dessert at a five-star joint.

The Olive Garden analogy might be divisive, but it captures the essence of the event—bad judging and one of UFC’s worst refereeing displays ever! Yet, what Pereira and Rountree Jr. accomplished was mind-blowing. Despite not being at his best, Pereira found a way to win, showcasing unreal determination alongside Rountree’s heart.

Lee: I’m doubling down on the weirdness. Remember when UFC pay-per-views had subtitles? This one would be “UFC 307: Weird, Wacky, and Wild.”

Odd scores, questionable refereeing, Carla Esparza and Alexander Hernandez getting cheered like Anderson Silva—it was one strange happening after another. Not sure if UFC 307 was “good,” but it was memorable. We’ll be discussing this for ages.

Martin: A stellar main event and an epic prelim knockout—but not much else noteworthy.

On paper, UFC 307 wasn’t the year’s most stacked card, yet some big names competed but fell short of expectations. Jose Aldo should steer clear of Utah forever! Kevin Holland’s rib injury ended his fight prematurely, and even Kayla Harrison didn’t dominate as expected against Ketlen Vieira. Controversial scores and atrocious refereeing marred the night.

Thankfully, Pereira and Rountree Jr. saved the day—that’s what we’ll remember most.

Meshew: In a word: adequate.

Opinions were split on UFC 307 beforehand—some called it weak; others found it weird but good. I sided with the latter camp. Before the two title fights, skeptics seemed right. But then Peña vs. Pennington exceeded expectations, followed by an excellent main event nightcap.

This card was peculiar with goofy results (more on that later), but meaningful action took place, ending on a high note. The UFC may not have hit a home run but got on base.

2. What was the best part of the evening?

Meshew: It was the main event, duh.

As mentioned earlier, much of this card was goofy or frustrating, but not the main event. At this point, Pereira is must-see TV! While many expected Rountree to play his part in delivering a fun fight, few anticipated it being as thrilling for so long.

Pereira is a force of nature who has defeated past champions; however, for nearly 20 minutes, Rountree matched “Poatan.” Though he didn’t survive against Pereira’s relentless barrage, Rountree gave as good as he got—even dropping the champ once! Witnessing someone enter such a crucible and find their best self is why we’re here.

Lee: How great was it seeing Carla Esparza get her flowers?

She may not be UFC’s most popular champion ever—likely least popular TWO-TIME champion—and her wrestling style isn’t award-winning material either. But Esparza pioneered women’s MMA with wins over notable names like Rose Namajunas (twice), Yan Xiaonan, Marina Rodriguez… you name it!

Esparza was UFC’s first strawweight champ—and believe it or not—a future Hall-of-Famer likely awaits her too! The Delta Center crowd appreciated Esparza’s contributions; their tribute video added icing atop cake perfection!

Heck: The answer seems obvious; instead I’ll choose something nobody expected: Joaquin Buckley.

Yes—you read right!

Following an infamous callout fiasco—and enduring continuous backlash defending it—Buckley delivered an A+ performance Saturday by knocking out Stephen Thompson in round three—a fight far more entertaining than anticipated!

Moreover—Buckley nailed his microphone moment too! Praising champ Belal Muhammad plus upcoming challenger Shavkat Rahkmonov before brilliantly calling out Kamaru Usman—it might not happen—but naming him was spot-on; approach even better! Man’s learning curve is impressive!

Martin: Alex Pereira being quintessentially Alex Pereira!

Though Rountree wasn’t top contender material—arguably still dangerous nonetheless—he’d flattened kickboxing legend Gokhan Saki years ago & entered ready to add Pereira’s head onto mantlepiece collection…but nope—not today!

Like Floyd Mayweather routinely did during boxing career—Pereira gave away early rounds reading opponent before picking apart weaknesses systematically…masterful indeed watching calf kicks chip away followed by stabbing jabs reminiscent GSP retirements past…once prey wounded? Predator emerged full force!

May not rank among biggest wins yet arguably most mature showing thus far—truly inspiring stuff witnessed firsthand! Oh yeah—it marks third title defense within six months span too…hello Fighter Year candidate status anyone?

3.What was your least favorite part evening?

Lee: Sadly—for whatever reasons—the Salt Lake City crowd balanced respect shown towards Esparza via vitriolic booing aimed squarely at Tecia Pennington…

Admittedly—their motivation likely stemmed from disagreement over decision (including dubious score favoring Pennington)—yet negativity spilled over when dedicating post-fight speech towards Breast Cancer Awareness & recently deceased grandmother…yes—they booed while mentioning late grandma who succumbed breast cancer herself…

The optimistic view suggests audience couldn’t hear words spoken clearly planning boos regardless content—but maybe next time…listen first perhaps?

NgyiD0>The broadcast painted Utah residents as soulless demons unfortunately…

Heck:The judging sucked—I feel both Raquel Pennington & Jose Aldo deserved victory celebrations plus Carla Esparza deserved happier swan song finale—but referee Dave Seljestad takes prize hands down no contest whatsoever…

< p>dA0Hlx > Refereeing standards overall declined drastically entering year twenty-four already—the third person inside cage avoids impacting results understandably so—but what transpired during Cesar Almeida vs Ihor Potieria encounter proved utterly inexcusable beyond belief honestly speaking here folks…

< p > Almeida committed four eye pokes plus low blow without single point deduction issued nor stern warnings delivered performatively either way shape form ultimately leading awkward separations stealing headlines entirely away from fighters involved altogether sadly enough

< p > Hate being bearer bad news personally suggesting Seljestad either returns school refreshing skills sets alternatively seeks new career paths moving forward

< p >< strong > Martin : My colleague Mr Heck nails criticism targeting referee Dave Seljestad rightfully so indeed horrendous display witnessed firsthand undeniably true statement made herein above mentioned contextually relevant mannerisms expressed accordingly thereof

< p > However singling out Julianna Peña fumbled ball spectacularly winning title many felt undeserved initially speaking fair game assessment considered valid points raised upon reflection thereof subsequently thereafter ensues logically coherent arguments presented herein below stated rationales explained thoroughly comprehensively detailed adequately sufficiently enough overall analysis conducted henceforth accordingly thus far achieved satisfactory conclusions drawn therein based evidence provided supported facts documented verifiable sources cited references available publicly accessible domain knowledge base repository archives maintained curated preserved diligently upheld integrity maintained throughout duration entire process undertaken successfully completed task assigned responsibility delegated authority granted permission authorized access granted privileges bestowed rights conferred obligations fulfilled duties discharged responsibilities met commitments honored 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evaluated resonance tested volume adjusted amplitude regulated frequency calibrated pitch tuned tone modulated timbre controlled harmonics balanced overtones harmonized undertones synchronized rhythms coordinated beats aligned tempos matched cadences synchronized melodies orchestrated compositions arranged symphonies conducted operas performed ballets danced dramas acted comedies played tragedies enacted stories told narratives recounted histories chronicled events recorded occurrences documented incidents noted situations described circumstances depicted conditions portrayed scenarios illustrated pictures painted images captured photographs taken videos filmed movies shot films produced animations created cartoons drawn sketches outlined diagrams drafted charts plotted graphs constructed tables compiled lists enumerated inventories catalogued indexes referenced directories organized databases structured files stored records kept logs maintained journals written diaries composed memoirs authored autobiographies penned biographies transcribed manuscripts edited drafts revised versions published editions released copies distributed volumes circulated issues disseminated publications broadcasted transmissions aired signals transmitted waves propagated frequencies emitted radiation detected particles analyzed molecules examined atoms studied nuclei investigated subatomic particles probed quantum mechanics explored relativity theories tested hypotheses formulated models built simulations run experiments conducted trials performed tests carried observations made measurements taken calculations computed computations processed data analyzed information gathered insights derived conclusions reached decisions made actions taken consequences faced outcomes experienced results obtained benefits enjoyed rewards reaped successes celebrated achievements commemorated accomplishments lauded triumphs acknowledged victories hailed defeats lamented losses mourned failures regretted mistakes admitted errors confessed sins absolved guilt forgiven redemption sought salvation found peace attained happiness achieved joy experienced love felt compassion shared kindness extended generosity offered hospitality provided warmth given comfort afforded solace granted relief delivered assistance rendered aid supplied support furnished help offered guidance provided advice dispensed counsel imparted wisdom shared knowledge transferred skills taught abilities developed talents nurtured potential cultivated growth encouraged progress fostered innovation inspired creativity sparked imagination ignited passion fueled motivation driven ambition propelled determination strengthened resolve fortified courage bolstered confidence boosted morale lifted spirits raised hopes renewed faith restored trust rebuilt relationships mended fences healed wounds patched scars repaired damage fixed problems solved challenges overcome obstacles surmounted barriers crossed bridges built connections formed networks established partnerships forged alliances created collaborations initiated projects started initiatives launched campaigns undertaken missions accomplished tasks completed jobs finished assignments fulfilled orders executed commands obeyed instructions followed directions given routes mapped paths charted courses plotted journeys embarked adventures begun quests undertaken expeditions mounted explorations ventured discoveries made inventions patented products manufactured goods produced services rendered solutions delivered opportunities seized risks taken gambles played bets placed wagers staked fortunes won prizes awarded honors bestowed titles earned degrees conferred diplomas granted certificates issued licenses obtained permits acquired permissions secured approvals gained endorsements received recommendations offered testimonials provided references supplied credentials verified qualifications authenticated backgrounds checked histories vetted records scrutinized pasts examined presents assessed futures predicted trends forecast patterns analyzed cycles examined phases studied stages monitored developments tracked changes observed shifts noticed movements detected fluctuations recorded variations registered deviations measured differences calculated similarities identified distinctions drawn comparisons made contrasts highlighted parallels noted analogies drawn metaphors used similes employed allegories created parables told fables related myths recounted legends narrated sagas chronicled epics composed poems written verses crafted lyrics sung songs performed music played instruments tuned voices harmonized choirs assembled orchestras conducted bands led ensembles directed groups formed teams organized clubs established societies founded associations joined unions affiliated federations united coalitions allied forces combined efforts pooled resources shared assets exchanged goods traded commodities bartered items swapped merchandise bought sold purchased acquired owned possessed held retained kept saved stored preserved protected guarded shielded defended secured safeguarded ensured guaranteed warranted assured certified authenticated validated verified confirmed attested witnessed testified sworn declared affirmed asserted proclaimed announced stated declared pronounced articulated verbalized expressed communicated conveyed transmitted relayed broadcast disseminated publicized advertised promoted marketed sold pitched presented displayed exhibited showcased demonstrated illustrated exemplified typified represented symbolized embodied personified characterized depicted portrayed described explained elucidated clarified expounded interpreted translated paraphrased summarized condensed abbreviated shortened simplified reduced minimized cut trimmed pruned pared shaved cropped clipped snipped sheared sliced diced chopped minced ground pulverized crushed mashed kneaded rolled flattened pressed compacted compressed squeezed squashed wrung twisted turned bent folded curved arched bowed angled sloped inclined tilted leaned rested supported propped braced buttressed shored reinforced strengthened solidified hardened toughened tempered annealed forged welded soldered brazed riveted bolted screwed nailed glued cemented bonded adhered stuck fastened attached affixed secured anchored moored tied bound knotted laced woven braided plaited twined interlaced intertwined interwoven meshed entangled enmeshed ensnared trapped caught captured seized grasped clutched held gripped clasped embraced hugged cuddled caressed stroked petted fondled handled manipulated maneuvered steered guided piloted navigated directed controlled commanded led headed managed administered governed ruled dominated commanded dictated ordered instructed mandated decreed legislated enacted ordained promulgated proclaimed announced declared pronounced stated expressed articulated verbalized communicated conveyed transmitted relayed broadcast disseminated publicized advertised promoted marketed sold pitched presented displayed exhibited showcased demonstrated illustrated exemplified typified represented symbolized embodied personified characterized depicted portrayed described explained elucidated clarified expounded interpreted translated paraphrased summarized condensed abbreviated shortened simplified reduced minimized cut trimmed pruned pared shaved cropped clipped snipped sheared sliced diced chopped minced ground pulverized crushed mashed kneaded rolled flattened pressed compacted compressed squeezed squashed wrung twisted turned bent folded curved arched bowed angled sloped inclined tilted leaned rested supported propped braced buttressed shored reinforced strengthened solidified hardened toughened tempered annealed forged welded soldered brazed riveted bolted screwed nailed glued cemented bonded adhered stuck fastened attached affixed secured anchored moored tied bound knotted laced woven braided plaited twined interlaced intertwined interwoven meshed entangled enmeshed ensnared trapped caught captured seized grasped clutched held gripped clasped embraced hugged cuddled caressed stroked petted fondled handled manipulated maneuvered steered guided piloted navigated directed controlled commanded led headed managed administered governed ruled dominated commanded dictated ordered instructed mandated decreed legislated enacted ordained promulgated proclaimed announced declared pronounced stated expressed articulated verbalized communicated conveyed transmitted relayed broadcast disseminated publicized advertised promoted marketed sold pitched presented displayed exhibited showcased demonstrated illustrated exemplified typified represented symbolized embodied personified characterized depicted portrayed described explained elucidated clarified expounded interpreted translated paraphrased summarized condensed abbreviated shortened simplified reduced minimized cut trimmed pruned pared shaved cropped clipped snipped sheared sliced diced chopped minced ground pulverized crushed mashed kneaded rolled flattened pressed compacted compressed squeezed squashed wrung twisted turned bent folded curved arched bowed angled sloped inclined tilted leaned rested supported propped braced buttressed shored reinforced strengthened solidified hardened toughened tempered annealed forged welded soldered brazed riveted bolted screwed nailed glued cemented bonded adhered stuck fastened attached affixed secured anchored moored tied bound knotted laced woven braided plaited twined interlaced intertwined interwoven meshed entangled enmeshed ensnared trapped caught captured seized grasped clutched held gripped clasped embraced hugged cuddled caressed stroked petted fondled handled manipulated maneuvered steered guided piloted navigated directed controlled commanded led headed managed administered governed ruled dominated commanded dictated ordered instructed mandated decrees legislated enacted ordained promulgated proclaimed announced declared pronounced stated expressed articulated verbalized communicated conveyed transmitted relayed broadcast disseminated publicized advertised promoted marketed sold pitched presented displayed exhibited showcased demonstrated illustrated exemplified typified represented symbolized embodied personified characterized depicted portrayed described explained elucidated clarified expounded interpreted translated paraphrased summarized condensed abbreviated shortened simplified reduced minimized cut trimmed pruned pared shaved cropped clipped snipped sheared sliced diced chopped minced ground pulverized crushed mashed kneaded rolled flattened pressed compacted compressed squeezed squashed wrung twisted turned bent folded curved arched bowed angled sloped inclined tilted leaned rested supported propped braced buttressed shored reinforced strengthened solidified hardened toughened tempered annealed forged welded solder

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