Key points
- Alex Pereira knocks out Khalil Rountree Jr View post
- Julianna Pena wins the bantamweight title from Raquel Pennington by SD View post
- Mario Bautista beats Jose Aldo by SD View post
- Roman Dolidze beats Kevin Holland by R1 TKO View post
- Kayla Harrison beats Ketlen Vieira by UD View post
- Joaquin Buckley knocks out Stephen Thompson View post
- Iasmin Lucindo beats Marina Rodriguez by SD View post
- Alexander Hernandez beats Austin Hubbard by SD View post
- Cesar Almeida beats Ihor Potieria by UD View post
- Ryan Spann beats Ovince St-Preux by R1 Sub View post
- Tecia Pennington beats Carla Esparza by UD View post
- Court McGee beats Tim Means by R1 Sub View post
- UFC 307 LIVE stream info View post
- UFC 307 fight card View post
The UFC returned Salt Lake City on Saturday night as one of the biggest cards of the year took center stage.
Two world title fights headlined the massive pay-per-view event, with Alex Pereira returning for the fourth time in 11 months to defend his light-heavyweight title. He faced the number eight contender Khalil Rountree Jr landing a fourth round knockout after an early fright from the underdog.
Both men were renowned as dangerous strikers heading into the bout, with Pereira coming off the back of a vicious knockout win over Jamahal Hill and two over Jiri Prochazka.
Rountree, ranked number eight earned his shot with five straight wins, four of which came by knockout; most recently against Anthony Smith.
The co-main event saw Raquel Pennington defending her bantamweight title for the first time against the former champion Julianna Pena, who returned after two years out of the game following her rematch defeat to Amanda Nunes.
Pena piled on the pressure early and survived a late attack that included being dropped and wobbled on multiple occasions in order to land her second world title victory by split decision. The judging on the night was highly questioned on social media after the fact
On the undercard, a number of major stars made big appearances. Jose Aldo continued his impressive late-career resurgence after coming out of retirement but just fell short. And Joaquin Buckley became just the second man to knock out Stephen Thompson on the prelims in a standout performance.
- Who is Alex Pereira? Get to know the MMA brawler as he lands yet another massive KO at UFC 307
Thanks for reading
That’s all from us tonight after an exciting evening of fights at UFC 307. We hope you enjoyed our coverage and continue to check us out throughout the day with all of the reaction and more.
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Conor McGregor not impressed with the post-fight interview
He’s already deleted the video, but it was a whirlwind of emotions. He celebrated Pereira’s win and the quality of the fight, but also insisted that he wouldn’t watch his next one because he’s going up to heavyweight. Go try and find a reupload, it’s worth a watch!
[Link]Alex Pereira knocks out Khalil Rountree Jr
What an impressive show of heart from the underdog, he survived in there until he simply couldn’t take any more punishment from the champion. Three title defences in seven months, ‘Poatan’ is approaching legendary status already!
[Link]Round four is all Alex Pereira
Khalil Rountree Jr’s right eye is brutally hurt now as Alex Pereira begins to unload on Rountree. The Los Angeles native is in survival mode right now, he’s covering up, ‘Poatan’ is pushing for the finish. Can he make it to the end of the round?
[Link]Remembering the last time Khalil Rountree Jr lost
If you can cast your mind back to the initial Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier rematch card at the start of 2021, Khalil Rountree Jr lost a decision to Marcin Prachnio. Viewers who saw it will remember that the finish was on a plate for the American, but he just didn’t have the gas in the tank. Will he have it here?
[Link]Now Khalil Rountree Jr begins to tire
The broadcast team would have you believe Alex Pereira is bossing the distance in this fight, that is not happening. There’s a very solid chance Rountree is up 3-0, and at the very least 2-1. Pereira does land two big knees right at the end of the round, likely cementing it for himself. We head into the championship rounds, this is not a comfortable area for Rountree Jr.
[Link]Khalil Rountree Jr is taking control in this fight
After just about missing on a big kick at the end of the second, Khalil Rountree Jr lands big to the body of Alex Pereira in the third, which he doesn’t like at all. The Brazilian is getting more aggressive now, we have a serious fight on our hands!
[Link]Alex Pereira beginning to take control of the cage now
The second round is definitely moving more in the direction of the Brazilian, who lands a few more punches this time around. Rountree Jr is still exploding in certain spots but his big shots are just inches away from being ones that can cause serious damage. Pereira’s leg kicks are hurting the American, who is a bit ginger on his feet. But as I type that, Pereira goes for the high kick and gets caught on the return and put down. This is a fascinating fight.
[Link]Khalil Rountree Jr holding his own early on
This is very arguably a Khalil Rountree round in the first as he explodes into a few big shots and causes Pereira some big problems. The Brazilian, as Joe Rogan notes during the broadcast, has struggled with southpaws in his kickboxing days, and this is for all intents and purposes a kickboxing fight. Rountree Jr looks tired after the first, but he won that round.
[Link]Alex Pereira flies out with a high kick
Rountree defends well there, that was ambitious from Alex Pereira. Let’s see how this striking matchup plays out. Rountree Jr lands one just off the chin early.
[Link]Here we go
Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr are both terrifying individuals, and terrifying strikers. Let’s see how this goes!
[Link]Alex Pereira now makes his way to the octagon
Joe Rogan calls this his favourite walkout in all of combat sports. My question is, how can anyone’s favourite combat sports walkout be for someone who fights in the UFC? They keep these things so neutered, this could be an iconic walk if they allowed it.
[Link]It is Main Event time!
Khalil Rountree Jr makes that long main event walk to the octagon. Not very many think that this is his moment in history, but he can make it so with one big shot tonight. Can the Los Angeles native make a memory?
[Link]Julianna Pena calls out Amanda Nunes and dismisses Kayla Harrison
It’s clear the UFC wanted to start the promotion for Pena vs Harrison, she did not play ball with Joe Rogan there. She wants the trilogy with Nunes, the fans clearly don’t as they boo yet again.
[Link]Julianna Pena wins the bantamweight title from Raquel Pennington by SD
Wow! That one will prove controversial. We’ll need to see these scorecards after the fact, but that was an impressive gutsy performance from Pena. She returns after two years off and takes the belt back. What a story!
Phenomenal fifth round to finish the fight
Raquel Pennington boxed well in the final round, clearly landing the cleaner strikes after that huge knockdown in the fourth. However, Pena was getting her shots off too, and this is very much still anybody’s fight as we head to the judges’ scorecards. Likely Pennington has just edged this one, though.
[Link]Raquel Pennington viciously drops Julianna Pena!
With two minutes left in the fourth Pennington lands a beautiful overhand right that sends her rival to the canvas! This is a massive turning point. She opts to engage on the bottom, bad move. The fourth round ends and this is anybody’s fight! Finally some excitement!
[Link]Julianna Pena beginning to take control
The third round was all Pena, despite the protestations of this Salt Lake City crowd who have been restless all night. She almost got the finish with a submission right at the end of the third. As I type this, though, Pennington lands a massive head kick to start the fourth and wobbles the challenger! Incredible turnaround.
[Link]Julianna Pena takes Raquel Pennington’s back
The second round has been spent more in the grappling, but it’s also been a more active round. Still not much in it, and not the most exciting of fights.
[Link]Difficult first round to score
Both women pushing the pace early, they opt for almost no leg kicks. It’s not exactly setting the heather alight in Salt Lake City either.
[Link]Here comes Julianna Pena
After two years out of action, she is back and she is fighting for the gold again!
[Link]Time for the co-main event
Raquel Pennington vs Julianna Pena, a grudge fight a decade in the making kicks off right now.
[Link]Mario Bautista beats Jose Aldo by SD
The crowd do not like that decision, 29-28 on two cards with one going the other way. But Bautista is right that it’s ‘not his problem’ as he responds to the baying crowd after Joe Rogan points out the obvious about the booing!
Mario Bautista goes toe to toe with Jose Aldo over three rounds
It’s not so much that Jose Aldo is at an advanced age; he’s not even 40 yet. But he is such a long-time veteran, and it appears that he isn’t really slowing down. However, he wasn’t quick enough for Bautista tonight, who I feel won rounds one and three, and probably two as well. Let’s see how the scorecards read.
[Link]That’s a belter of a round two
Jose Aldo cuts Bautista early, which completely changes the complexion of the fight. They’re both swinging big now, Aldo’s boxing cleaner but Bautista landing the bigger shots, including a monster knee right at the end of the round.
[Link]Mario Bautista working too hard for Jose Aldo early
The first round probably goes to Bautista, who is showing his youth against the veteran Aldo.
[Link]We move right along to Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista
What a card this is, as the legendary Jose Aldo makes the walk for his second UFC comeback fight. There is so much aura around the Brazilian, and he wants bantamweight gold.
[Link]Roman Dolidze beats Kevin Holland by R1 TKO
That’s an horrible way for Holland to lose, he twisted something while moving to get an armbar. Dolidze is given his black belt, and celebrates to the crowd who are not happy with the result.
Kevin Holland survives the first round
The American was looking good until randomly screaming out and almost being stopped on the ground. It appears he has broken his rib. Disaster for the super-active Kevin Holland.
[Link]Time now for excitement in the middleweight division
The ultra-popular Kevin Holland takes on Roman Dolidze after four months out. That seems like a reasonable gap between fights, and maybe even active by many standards – but Kevin Holland is built different!
[Link]Kayla Harrison beats Ketlen Vieira by UD
30-27 on two cards, 29-28 on one, dominant for the number three-ranked Kayla Harrison as she moves on towards the winner of this main event. Solid showing, even if the crowd didn’t love it!
Kayla Harrison and Ketlen Vieira go the distance
The takedowns made her dominant in the first, but not so much in round two. The third ended up being too much and she’ll probably win, maybe even 30-27. Another win for the Olympic gold medalist!
[Link]Main card kicks us off
Kayla Harrison faces Ketlen Vieira of Brazil. Big opportunity for both women.
[Link]Joaquin Buckley calls out Kamaru Usman next
He’ll need to do some serious work on that wrestling…
[Link]Joaquin Buckley knocks out Stephen Thompson
Just the second man in history to stop the legend, that could be curtains for Wonderboy’s career.
Buckley came on strong in the third and his hooks were working for him, eventually landing the finish and respectfully refusing to celebrate after putting a legend out.
Will this be the end for ‘Wonderboy’?
Awkward fight here
Not quite the barnburner we expected as Buckley goes for takedowns, gets them, but isn’t able to do too much with his control. Could be level after two!
[Link]Next up is excitement guaranteed!
Joaquin Buckley, an explosive striker, takes on karate expert Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson
[Link]Iasmin Lucindo beats Marina Rodriguez by SD
Another split decision, 29-28 on all three cards just different ways. That one won’t be too controversial, though. A very hard fight to score.
Now on to Buckley vs Wonderboy!
[Link]Marina Rodriguez and Iasmin Lucindo trading heavy shots
The second round is similar to the first, both looking for the knockout but nothing doing just yet. Very hard fight to score, and with the way the cards have been tonight they may be in some trouble if it makes it to the judges!
[Link]Rodriguez drops Lucindo in the first
Ultimately, Lucindo recovers well and gets a takedown, but that was a big shot to the top of the head.
[Link]Alexander Hernandez beats Austin Hubbard by SD
First split decision of the night, two judges go 29-28 for Hernandez, one gives it to Hubbard. Not the most exciting fight of the night, to be honest. Now we move on to the strawweight division.
Much more urgency in the third
Hernandez pushing the pace a bit, however Hubbard landing on the feet. We end with a big exchange but we don’t get the finish.
[Link]Austin Hubbard and Alexander Hernandez battle at lightweight
Neither man making that big push for the finish early on in this hastily-arranged 155lb bout.
[Link]We move on to Austin Hubbard vs Alexander Hernandez
Mercifully, that last fight is behind us and we now progress to this fascinating lightweight clash.
[Link]Cesar Almeida beats Ihor Potieria by UD
A solid win for Almeida, 30-27 across the board, but Potieria will feel very hard done by after that refereeing performance. Controversial for sure.
We go the distance for the second time tonight
Referee Dave Seljestad is not popular with fans for his performance in this fight. Let’s see the scorecards.
[Link]Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan not impressed by the officiating here
The referee has had to call two stops to this contest for eye pokes, but hasn’t warned Cesar Almeida yet.
We get a call for a third from Potieria, but he fights on and gets the takedown, before being caught and almost submitted in a guillotine.
We head to round three.
[Link]Ihor Potieria vs Cesar Almeida is a solid technical matchup
After one round neither man is really gaining a huge amount of ground, and certainly we didn’t seem to be heading for a stoppage before an eye poke in the second caused a halt to the action.
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Ihor Potieria vs Cesar Almeida will kick off the prelims
They have a lot to live up to so far after three exciting bouts early on!
[Link]The early prelims are over
Was that the best early prelim segment in recent memory? Two massive first round stoppages and a war to end a legendary career! Now we head into the prelims on ESPN.
[Link]Ryan Spann beats Ovince St-Preux by R1 Sub
Spann rocks OSP early as both men throw leather and gets him into a guillotine, landing a submission win within seconds!
That is one of the most impressive wins of Ryan Spann’s career!
Up next it’s Ryan Spann vs Ovince St-Preux
Two hard-hitters with limited chins, this one ain’t going three rounds!
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Carla Esparza given a touching tribute in the octagon
The fans give her a big reception and boo Tecia Pennington’s respectful post-fight interview.
[Link]Tecia Pennington beats Carla Esparza by UD
30-27 on one card, that seems wild. Two gave it 29-28 But a tough night for Carla Esparza, who will now lay down her gloves.
Carla Esparza vs Tecia Pennington goes the distance
The broadcast team seem to think Pennington has done enough, I’m predicting another split decision for these ladies!
[Link]For the final time, Carla Esparza heads to the corner
Five more minutes after a 15-year career in MMA.
[Link]Carla Esparza and Tecia Pennington going to war on the prelims
After a clean striking round for Pennington in the first, she was taken down halfway through and dominated by Esparza.
Now, Esparza is doing well in the striking and looking for a takedown in the second. But with a minute to go they start swinging for the fences and Esparza gets another takedown! That second round was razor close.
[Link]Up next; Carla Esparza’s retirement fight
The two-time strawweight champion faces Tecia Pennington in a rematch a decade in the making!
[Link]An emotional moment for Court McGee
He appears to be holding back tears as he tells Joe Rogan about how hard he has been working for the past 15 years.
[Link]Court McGee beats Tim Means by R1 Sub
That was an impressive turnaround from Court McGee, who lands the first round victory in his home town. First stoppage win for him since UFC 121, all the way back in 2010!
Home town Court McGee kicks us off against Tim Means
Big names get us ready here in Salt Lake City as Utah’s own McGee returns to action.
[Link]It’s time for UFC 307
Here we go, the event is about to get underway with early prelims in Salt Lake City!
[Link]Carla Esparza will retire tonight
Win, lose or draw; former strawweight champion Carla ‘Cookie Monster’ Esparza will be hanging up her gloves after she faces Tecia Pennington on the prelims this evening.
[Link]PFL throwing some shade ahead of Kayla Harrison’s big fight
Kayla Harrison makes her sophomore outing in the UFC against Ketlen Vieira tonight, and the PFL are taking it as a chance to promote their event in two weeks’ time.
We are just over an hour away from kick off
Tim Means faces Court McGee in our opener just over an hour from now. Stick with us!
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UFC 307 LIVE stream info
Tonight’s fights are only available on pay-per-view in America. In the UK, they can be seen on TNT Sports live, which is a part of the subscription, but it is a PPV around the world.
The early prelims kick off at 6.30pm Eastern on UFC Fight Pass, with regular prelims beginning at 8pm on ESPN.
The main card is available from 10pm Eastern via pay-per-view on ESPN+, which requires an $11.99 subscription. The PPV price for UFC 307 is $79.99 for subscribers. New subscribers can pay a bundle price of $134.98 for the UFC 307 pay-per-view and an ESPN+ annual subscription, which amounts to around a 30 per cent saving.
Bloody Elbow Predictions
Our very own Jamie Theodosi gives his takes on tonight’s pay-per-view card!
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Welcome to the UFC 307 live blog on Bloody Elbow
Good evening and welcome to the live blog for UFC 307 right here on Bloody Elbow. My name is Donagh Corby and I will be taking you through all of the details of tonight’s events including how to watch, live results and all the exciting updates.
Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr are set for one of the most exciting striking matchups of the year, with more brilliant fights on the undercard. Keep in touch with us over on X or Instagram @BloodyElbow, we’ll be live with all you need throughout the night!
[Link]- Who is Alex Pereira? Get to know the MMA brawler as he lands yet another massive KO at UFC 307