Khalil Rountree is ranked #8 in the light heavyweight division. Yet the California native is fighting Alex Pereria for the title in his next fight. This, of course, has led many to blast the UFC for the matchup. Especially because there is a clear title contender, Magomed Ankalaev sitting on the sidelines, desperate for a title shot. However, Khabib Nuramgoemdov’s coach, Javier Mendez thinks all this talk of Rountree not being deserving of a title shot is hogwash.

“Khalil is a serious threat. I mean a lot of people may think ‘Oh he doesn’t deserve it’. He deserves it. The UFC put him there, he took the opportunity. Don’t be mad at him, don’t be a hater for him taking the opportunity he’s worked his whole life for. Be proud of him,” he said on his YouTube channel.

In addition, the AKA gym head coach was quick to point out that ‘War Horse’, with his southpaw stance, elite striking pedigree, and one-punch knockout power is still a big threat for ‘Poatan’. Even if the Brazilian champ is the clear favorite going in, Pereira will be one well-placed shot away from being knocked out by ‘War Horse.’ That is the type of fighter Rountree is, having knocked out the last four of his five opponents.

“And you never know, you can’t tell me he can’t win. He sure as hell sure can. Khalil is no joke you know so you know. I mean sure there’s always a favorite right or there’s always equal equal. But bottom line is hey you know he deserves it. Why? UFC offered him the fight he took the opportunity therefore he deserves it,” Mendez added.

As Mendez pointed out, Rountree is more than capable of springing an upset and walking out of UFC 307 establishing himself as the new light heavyweight champion, having defeated the biggest active superstar in the entire sport.

UFC vets split on predictions for Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree

Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira—a friendship forged in fire and competition. Strickland, a key part of Pereira’s training camp for UFC 307, has made it clear where his loyalty lies. “Rountree just doesn’t have the tools in the toolbox to beat the champ,” Strickland said, his bias unmistakable. But when a close friend and top-level fighter backs you, it says something about the work you’re putting in.

Jamahal Hill, the former light heavyweight champ who faced Pereira earlier this year, echoed a similar sentiment, though for different reasons. Hill thinks it’s not just about the skills—it’s about the grind. “Sweet Dreams” doesn’t believe Rountree can handle a five-round war with someone like Pereira, whose intensity doesn’t waver. The gas tank, Hill says, will be the difference-maker.

But then there’s Chael Sonnen, the analyst whose bold predictions are as entertaining as they are controversial. Sonnen’s take? Rountree’s gonna “walk through” Pereira. Why? Because Khalil Rountree Jr., a former kickboxer, thrives when he’s facing another high-level striker like Pereira. The chaos of two elite kickboxers going at it is where Rountree feels most at home.

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The predictions are split, the stage is set, and anything can happen when the cage door closes. It’s this unpredictability—the raw, untamed possibility—that makes UFC 307 a must-watch. So, where do you stand? Will “War Horse” prove his doubters wrong, or will Pereira once again show why he’s the reigning king? Let us know your predictions.