Chael Sonnen, contrary to conventional belief, has boldly predicted that Khalil Rountree will “walk through” Alex Pereira on their UFC 307 title clash. This, of course, made quite a wave since ‘Poatan’ is the clear favorite going in. Rountree after all, is currently ranked #8 in the 205-pound division, and has promised to strike with the Brazilian, both not very promising signs for ‘War Horse.’

However, former champion and ‘Poatan’s arch-nemesis Israel Adesanya doesn’t think so. “This weekend I’m going to go Pereira and I’m going to go TKO or KO. I don’t know what round but I just feel like it’ll be hard for Rountree. And he might catch him as Rountree comes in ‘cuz Rountree is going to be attacking him,” Adesanya told Adam Carolla on the latter’s podcast.

The Kiwi-Nigerian, however, did point out that the American was very much a problem for ‘Poatan’. After all, Rountree is known to throw the kitchen sink at his opponents and has promised to do the same against Pereira. Which, admittedly, is a dangerous game to play against the Brazilian. After all, it will leave Rountree vulnerable to Alex Pereira‘s counters and legendary power. On the other hand, if Rountree’s plan does work out, he could knock out Pereira. Which Israel Adesanya thinks is a very real possibility.

“Rountree will definitely be the underdog in this one but I wouldn’t count him out. ‘Cuz Chael [Sonnen] reckons he’s going to win, and Chael reckons he’s going to wash Pereira. And I’m like wait, what does he know that we don’t know? It’s definitely a possibility because of course this is fighting and I know he can. ‘Cuz he can get in there, put him against the fence and just [beat him up],” ‘Izzy’ added. But why exactly does Chael Sonnen think Rountree will knock out Pereira?

Chael Sonnen’s Analysis of Pereira vs. Rountree: A Perspective That Could Make Israel Adesanya Reconsider

Chael Sonnen didn’t mince words when talking about Pereira versus Rountree—he sees Khalil “War Horse” Rountree as a nightmare for Alex “Poatan” Pereira. “Khalil Rountree is going to walk through Pereira,” Sonnen proclaimed, his voice dripping with certainty. “That is the worst matchup [for Pereira] I could think of… He [Rountree] does his absolute best work when he’s being attacked by a kickboxer. He is a counter fighter, and he loves when you punch or kick at him first… Khalil is going to win this fight.” Sonnen’s analysis comes with a conviction that only adds to the intrigue of UFC 307.

Rountree isn’t stepping in empty-handed either; his own kickboxing roots make him a particularly dangerous foe for Pereira. No, he may not be Israel Adesanya, but that doesn’t make him any less lethal. His explosive hands, rapid-fire leg kicks, and undeniable knockout power mean that he’s a threat to anyone who dares stand across from him. He thrives in chaos—trading blows in the pocket is not just something he’s willing to do; it’s where he excels.

And let’s not overlook the strategic edge Rountree has in this fight. He’s methodical with his striking, choosing his moments with care, and his southpaw stance has historically given Pereira trouble. It’s this combination—of intelligence, power, and unpredictability—that makes Rountree such a compelling adversary.

That’s why this matchup has even Israel Adesanya, a man who’s faced both, unsure of how things will play out. Will Rountree be able to exploit Pereira’s vulnerabilities, or will “Poatan” once again prove why he’s one of the most feared strikers in the sport? Do tell us in the comments below.