Khalil Rountree’s coach compares Alex Pereira fight to Gokhan Saki knockout: ‘It’s going to shock a lot of people’

Khalil Rountree may not have the same credentials as Alex Pereira when it comes to professional success, but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous when they start trading bombs at UFC 307.

Since he started MMA, Rountree’s victories have typically come via knockouts on the highlight reels, and he has never been afraid to throw strikes with anyone. That included his fight against Gokhan Saki in 2018, who was one of the most respected kickboxers to ever set foot in the UFC’s octagon, and it took Rountree just over 90 seconds to send him into the shadow realm.

Rountree’s long-time head coach John Wood says the mood ahead of this weekend’s showdown against Pereira is awfully similar.

“When the Gokhan Saki fight happened for Khalil, he was just blown away,” Wood told MMA Fighting. “There was no hesitation. The same applies here. We’ll approach it the same way. It will shock many people.

“I believe that Khalil can stand by anyone in the world. He has that level of talent when it comes to hitting.”

Just because Wood has full confidence in Rountree’s ability to finish the fight with punches, he by no means sees Pereira as an easy opponent.

Since moving to light heavyweight, Pereira has remained undefeated and has scored three consecutive knockouts against two former UFC champions in Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. Pereira is widely regarded as the sport’s deadliest striker and Wood is fully aware that this must be respected.

“Pereira, we all know what he has done and is doing,” Wood said. “He’s the real boogeyman in the UFC right now. These are the things that get me going in the morning. I love it.

“There is no doubt that Alex is the best in the world in this division. The guy is as scary as they come. He has the power. He has deathtouch. He has everything going on at the moment, the hype, it’s not an easy task. I have a lot of respect for the guy for what he does. But other than that, he’s never fought anyone like Khalil.”

When it comes to potential variety on the feet, Wood believes there are certainly areas where Rountree Pereira can do damage where other opponents have failed.

“(Alex Pereira has) never fought anyone who has the power, the speed, the vision and the timing that Khalil has,” Wood said. “Khalil – I’m not going to say he’s better than Alex, but he’s better at certain things.

“Alex is really good at what he does and it doesn’t always look pretty. As a coach, it would be easy to get caught up in this and say that all of his things are technically wrong. He does it at the highest level. He does a lot of his shit to lure you in, to trick you into thinking you can get there, and then knocks you out. Khalil can do it all, just much sharper.”

Because so much attention has been paid to the exchanges, Wood is quick to point out that this is an MMA fight and anything can happen. That means the team at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas is preparing Rountree for anything – including a possible takedown attempt from Pereira.

“Try to take him down,” Wood said. “It’s going to be hard and you’re probably going to get caught. We are ready for all facets. I talked to him today (and told him) that you might shoot Alex and he might want to make it a wrestling match. We will be prepared for anything.”

No matter the outcome, Wood doesn’t see a world in which Rountree and Pereira play the entire five rounds. The high likelihood of this fight ending violently had to play at least some role in the UFC’s matchmaking.

Wood wouldn’t give an exact prediction, but he expects Rountree to win and eliminate Pereira in return.

“I won’t be at all surprised if this fight ends early and Khalil has the belt wrapped around his waist,” Wood said. “If you know and the people who have followed it, Khalil is one of those guys who is really getting into his MMA game and really coming into his own as a fighter in the last few fights. I don’t think this fight will last five rounds. There is no way that is humanly possible and I don’t think Khalil will lose.

“I think someone will be eliminated and I don’t think it will be us, and with all due respect to Pereira and his team. He has a legendary coach. He is a legend himself. It’s an honor to train against these guys. Obviously I have a live dog in this fight and I think we’ll get it. I have no doubt that Khalil will leave this cage with the belt.”

Of course, Rountree had to deal with criticism that he didn’t deserve the opportunity, and there were more deserving candidates. He has largely put that aside and remained focused on the task at hand, which is beating Pereira on Saturday.

His coach said much the same thing, but promised that if there are any questions about whether or not Rountree belongs in the same cage as Pereira, he will give a strong answer on Saturday.

“I think you’re going to see the best Khalil Rountree you’ve ever seen,” Wood said. “That’s a scary man.”