On October 5, 2024, UFC 307 lands at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it’s bringing some serious firepower. Headlining the card, we have Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against the resurgent Khalil Rountree Jr.. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—this event is packed with talent, storylines, and big-time implications for the UFC’s future.
The Main Event: Pereira vs. Rountree Jr.
In the light heavyweight division, Alex Pereira has established himself as a devastating striker with one of the most feared left hooks in the game. After making a splash in the middleweight division and dethroning Israel Adesanya, Pereira quickly moved up in weight and captured the 205-pound title. Now, he faces a unique test in Khalil Rountree Jr., a man with a dangerous striking style of his own and a powerful redemption story.
Rountree’s transformation—both personally and professionally—has turned him into a serious title contender. After struggling with self-destructive behavior earlier in life, Rountree found salvation in MMA, and his current win streak shows he’s more dangerous than ever. Pereira will need to keep the fight at a distance and avoid getting drawn into a brawl, while Rountree will look to impose his will with aggression and heart. Expect fireworks in this one.
Co-Main Event: Pennington vs. Peña
The co-main event features Raquel Pennington, defending her bantamweight title against Julianna Peña. These two warriors are no strangers to each other, and their rivalry dates back to The Ultimate Fighter. Pennington, the current champ, is known for her resilience and toughness, while Peña—who shocked the world by dethroning Amanda Nunes in 2021—looks to reclaim the title she lost.
With both fighters known for their durability and grappling skills, this matchup could turn into a gritty, hard-fought contest. The stakes are sky-high, with the winner securing their place atop the bantamweight division.
Other Key Fights to Watch
- Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista: A bantamweight showdown between one of the greatest fighters of all time and a rising star. Aldo, a future Hall of Famer, will look to showcase his legendary skills, while Bautista is hungry for a signature win.
- Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira: Harrison, a dominant force in women’s MMA, could be a last-minute replacement on the card, adding extra intrigue if any surprises pop up in the lead-up to fight night.
- Austin Hubbard vs. Alexander Hernandez: This lightweight bout was added after injuries shuffled the card, and it’s a chance for both fighters to climb the ranks in a stacked division.
What Makes UFC 307 Special?
UFC 307 is not just about title fights; it’s a night filled with fighters looking to make statements. From up-and-coming talent to seasoned veterans, this card has the perfect mix of power, skill, and storytelling. With Aljamain Sterling’s injury removing his featherweight clash from the card, other fighters now have a bigger spotlight, and they’re ready to deliver.
Whether you’re tuning in for the striking prowess of Alex Pereira, the redemption arc of Khalil Rountree Jr., or the long-standing rivalry between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña, UFC 307 is going to be an unforgettable event.
