Daniel Cormier believes we could be in store for another big upset in Salt Lake City this weekend.
On Saturday, the UFC heads back to The Crossroads of the West for a loaded pay-per-view lineup headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between reigning and defending champion Alex Pereira and streaking knockout artist Khalil Rountree.
In recent years, SLC has hosted some of the biggest stunners in recent memory, including Justin Gaethje’s incredible second-round KO of Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 and Leon Edwards’ kick heard ’round the world against Kamaru Usman.
Previewing this weekend’s card via his YouTube channel, Cormier suggested that ‘The War Horse’ could be a sort of “trap game” for Pereira who may be overlooking the No. 8 ranked contender.
“If there’s anything to be said about Salt Lake City, upsets happen. And it would seem that a guy who’s ranked No. 8 in the world, taking on the champion is a blueprint for an upset because, in those moments, the champ may overlook him.
“I don’t know if Pereira will do that, but those are the times they call them trap games in football. This feels like a trap game for Alex Pereira. And if he ain’t ready, it seems like Khalil Rountree, with his power, can knock him out.”
‘DC’ had the opportunity to spend a little time with Pereira during the UFC 307 pre-fight festivities and decided to test out the former kickboxer’s takedown defense. You can check out that moment via the clip below:
Daniel Cormier put grappling skills of Alex Pereira on test 😅
VIA | @UFCBrasil #UFC307 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/lLrGNvXXkq
— FEDZ_MMA (@Fedzmma) October 3, 2024
Oddsmakers See Pereira Defeating Rountree Handily, But Pundits Like Daniel Cormier Are Split
UFC 307 will feature Alex Pereira’s third title defense of 2024 after ‘Poatan’ secured back-to-back highlight-reel KOs against Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka in his last two appearances. As it stands, Pereira is a sizeable -485 favorite to come out on top against Rountree via DraftKings.
Despite the wide odds, there are plenty who agree with Cormier’s hot take. Former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and Cormier’s ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ co-host Chael Sonnen are both leaning towards Rountree leaving Utah with the 205-pound title while Pereira’s former opponents Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland believe ‘Poatan will get the job done once again.
Who leaves the Delta Center with their hand raised and light heavyweight gold wrapped around their waist?
Watch the full video below:
