Kamaru Usman Believes ‘Extremely Powerful’ Khalil Rountree Will ‘Shock the World’ at UFC 307

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Everybody and their mother can’t wait to find out at the UFC 307. As does Kamaru Usman but he certainly knows that Khalil Rountree aka ‘The War Horse’ has the potential to be the new light heavyweight champion of the world before the birds sing the next day.

Sharing his thoughts on the popular Pound 4 Pound podcast, the former welterweight champion named his pick and explained why Rountree will ‘shock the world.’

“I think Khalil Rountree shocks the world…Crazy things happen in Utah and look at our champions right now. I think Khalil Rountree is extremely explosive, extremely powerful, his Muay Thai is incredible and when he’s launching them (shots), he’s going to find your face.”

Subtly referring to his own devastating title-losing defeat to Leon Edwards in 2022, Usman mentioned that anything is possible at Utah. According to ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, fans are poised for a shocker at UFC 307 as he predicts a Khalil shock treatment on October 5 owing to his accuracy and explosiveness.

His co-host, Cejudo, also chimed in, asserting that Rountree was no slouch to to slept on. And if he sticks to John Wood’s gameplan, he is going home with a belt wrapped around his waist.

Deep Diver: Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree

After decimating former light heavyweight champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill earlier this year, Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira is eyeing a third victory when he laces up his gloves on Oct. 5.

However, his opponent is the #8 ranked Khalil Rountree. Now, don’t let the ranking fool you, Khalil, owing to his stellar finishes has managed to catch the matchmakers’ eyes and get himself an epic title shot.

Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree at #UFC307 in Salt Lake City, Dana White announced. pic.twitter.com/M7icrizw3W

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 16, 2024

On paper, the bout is your typical striker vs striker duel. But both men have power in their hands and can shut either one’s lights out at any given time. While Pereira carries that nuclear left hook that has put out champions, Khalil is super explosive with his strikes and can produce insane output in the opening rounds by throwing caution to the wind.

In fact, the challenger to this point has seven KOs in the promotion, having one up on the champion. Another fascinating bit is that Rountree has never shot for a takedown, completely relying on his striking to run over his competition.

On the other hand, Pereira does have some grappling game in his arsenal and might as well use it if needed, which makes it such an interesting match up.