“With all due respect to Khalil, but there are at least two higher-ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan. He doesn’t need special protection,” said former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz last year after the UFC announced Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. for UFC 307. Błachowicz didn’t hold back, accusing Dana White & Co. of shielding the Brazilian by pitting him against lower-ranked opponents like the then-#8 ranked ‘The War Horse’. However, when fight night arrived, Rountree Jr. made a statement of his own.

In a performance that surprised many, he silenced the critics with a gutsy showing that arguably pushed Alex Pereira to his limits. Charging ahead with powerful hooks and sharp jabs, Khalil Rountree Jr. pushed the fight past the third round—a milestone only Israel Adesanya had previously reached in the 185 lbs division. Ultimately, ‘Poatan’ found his moment and scored a knockout victory. Nevertheless, the grueling battle in Utah earned Nak Muay newfound respect from fans and fellow fighters alike. Even the champion himself acknowledged the war.

Moreover, UFC CEO Dana White echoed the sentiment, calling it “a helluva fight” and applauding both athletes for leaving it all in the cage. Now, ranked #7 in the division, Khalil Rountree Jr. is gearing up for his next appearance as the UFC makes its historic debut in Baku, Azerbaijan, this July. Ahead of the bout, ‘The War Horse’ sat down with Paul Felder and Michael Bisping on a YouTube podcast to reflect on the Alex Pereira clash and what it taught him. Opening up about the physical disparity he felt, Rountree Jr. said,

“I felt Alex was bigger than me. I felt the size; I felt the strength, especially on the receiving end of the punches and stuff. Although there were a few moments where I was able to push him back, I think it took more energy than I would have liked it to. The only way to get used to that is to train with bigger guys or have to push around a little bit more weight so these guys don’t feel as big, you know what I mean? I really did feel like a smaller guy.”

Alex Pereira’s towering 6’4″ frame alone is enough to intimidate many fighters. But it’s not just his height—it’s his devastating power and imposing physical presence that truly set him apart. However, ‘Poatan’s reign took a significant blow earlier this year at UFC 313, in his fourth title defense. In a surprisingly one-sided contest, Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Pereira. This defeat ignited a lot of debate about the Brazilian’s drive and determination to keep his title. Still, Khalil Rountree Jr. sees things differently. Here’s his take.

Khalil Rountree sees a “Different Guy” in Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313

Although fans anticipated a tough challenge for Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March, few expected Pereira’s reign to end so suddenly that night. On March 8, many began to question ‘Poatan’s striking as Ankalaev outperformed him and pushed him into a striking battle on Ankalaev’s terms. While the Brazilian managed to defend all 12 of the Russian’s takedown attempts, he struggled to maintain his footing during striking exchanges. When the judges’ scorecards showed 48–47 and 49–46, it marked the conclusion of Pereira’s light heavyweight reign that lasted less than 1.2 years.

Yet, Khalil Rountree Jr. sees this as a different Alex Pereira from the one he faced at UFC 307 in Utah last year. Describing him as another version altogether, ‘The War Horse’ spoke on MMA Today in April, reflecting on the fight: “I don’t understand what’s going on because it shouldn’t be like this, it doesn’t have to be like this,’ you know? And so I don’t know how I scored it. I just saw it and I was like kind of confused, because I was expecting the same guy that came in and fought me to go in there and do the same thing.”

What’s your take on Khalil Rountree’s Jr. observation? Do you think that Alex Pereira who faced Magomed Ankalaev was different from the fighter we saw in his previous matches? Share your thoughts below.