UFC 307: A Night of Intense Battles in Salt Lake City
The famed Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, came alive on Saturday, October 5, with roaring fans and electrifying energy as UFC 307 unfolded. Scheduled as one of the most awaited events of the year, the night was packed with action and drama, with fights streaming live on ESPN+ PPV. The event commenced with early prelims at 6 p.m. ET, gradually building excitement towards the main card that kicked off at 10 p.m. ET. By the time the championship fights began, anticipation was at an all-time high, and the outcome was certainly worth the wait.
Alex Pereira's Thrilling Defense Against Khalil Rountree Jr.
The spotlight was firmly on the UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, as he stepped into the octagon to defend his crown against challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. Pereira, already an icon known for his devastating knockout ability, delivered yet another thrilling performance that left the audience in awe. From the onset, the fight was intense, with both fighters showing determination and skill. However, Pereira soon demonstrated why he is the reigning champ, methodically dismantling Rountree Jr. with a combination of strategic moves and powerful strikes. The crowd became witness to Pereira's impressive handling of the fight, which culminated in him retaining his title.
Rountree Jr. put forth a brave effort, but Pereira's relentless offensive left little room for him to maneuver. As the match progressed, Pereira's dominance became increasingly evident, with each round highlighting his superior technique and tactical acumen. By the end, there was no doubt in anyone's mind about the outcome. Pereira's victory over Rountree Jr. solidified his position as one of the most formidable fighters in the division, and his performance was celebrated as a celebration of skill and sheer tenacity.
The Co-Main Event: Peña's Triumphant Comeback
Equally compelling was the co-main event, which featured a high-stakes matchup in the women's bantamweight division. Here, Julianna Peña, a fierce competitor with a relentless drive, faced off against reigning champion Raquel Pennington. The bout ended with Peña reclaiming her UFC bantamweight title via a split decision, achieving scores of 48-47, 47-48, 48-47. Both fighters battled fiercely in the octagon, each round intensifying their rivalry and showcasing their incredible athleticism.
Peña's journey back to the championship has not been an easy one, and this victory marked a significant milestone in her career. The split decision indicated just how closely fought the match was, with both fighters putting on a masterclass in striking and defense. The victory was not just a testament to Peña's grit but also underscored the depth of talent in the women's bantamweight division.
Exciting Matchups and Notable Performances
Beyond the headline fights, UFC 307 delivered an exhilarating lineup of bouts featuring some noteworthy competitors. The legendary Jose Aldo faced Mario Bautista in an exciting clash within the bantamweight division. Aldo, revered for his strategic prowess within the octagon, did not disappoint, and his performance was one for the books. Meanwhile, Ketlen Vieira took on Kayla Harrison, pitting two ferocious fighters against each other in the women's bantamweight division, further highlighting the night's exciting array of matchups.
Additionally, the middleweight scene saw Roman Dolidze stepping into the ring with Kevin Holland. This matchup promised intense action, and neither fighter shied away from delivering a high-octane performance that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Stephen Thompson made waves in his division as well, exciting fans and showcasing his own fighting style that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Carla Esparza: A Farewell to a Legend
Of special note was the appearance of Carla Esparza, as the night marked her final fight of an illustrious career. Esparza's contributions to the sport have been nothing short of monumental, and her bouts have consistently demonstrated skill, strategy, and the heart of a true champion. As fans eagerly watched one of their beloved stars one last time, emotions ran high, wrapping UFC 307 with a nostalgic yet celebratory air. Her retirement is the end of an era in the sport, leaving behind a legacy that inspires many aspiring fighters.
To the delight of fans, UFC 307 delivered on its promise of providing intense, high-quality action. From the dramatic title fights to the energetic undercard matches, the event celebrated the athleticism, willpower, and raw determination of every fighter who stepped into the octagon. In a night full of memorable moments, every competitor played their part, making UFC 307 a memorable chapter that fans will reminisce about for years to come.
Comments
rakesh meena
Pereira is a machine. No one else in the division comes close.
sandeep singh
Rountree had no business even stepping in there. Indian fighters would’ve broken him in round one.
Sumit Garg
The structural integrity of the octagon has been compromised by the sheer kinetic energy generated by Pereira’s strikes. Scientifically, this level of force displacement should have triggered seismic sensors in nearby states.
Sneha N
Carla Esparza’s retirement… I’m crying into my jasmine tea. 💔 Her grace, her poise, her quiet strength… the world won’t see her like again. 🌸
Manjunath Nayak BP
You think Pereira won because he’s good? Nah. The UFC paid off the judges, the ref, the camera operators, even the guy who handed out towels. They’ve been scared of Rountree’s potential since he beat that guy in that one fight in 2020 that nobody saw. That’s why they pushed Pereira as the ‘face’ - it’s all corporate. They don’t want a wild card. They want a brand. And Pereira’s brand is ‘unstoppable’ - which is just marketing speak for ‘we made sure he didn’t get hit’.
Tulika Singh
Fighters give everything. That’s all that matters.
naresh g
Did you notice? Pereira’s left hook had a 37% spin efficiency, and Rountree’s stance was 11 degrees off-center - which statistically reduces evasive capability by 62% - and yet, the broadcast didn’t even mention the biomechanical analysis from the UFC’s own internal data, which I accessed through a FOIA request in 2021 - which, by the way, was denied - but I got it anyway - so you’re all missing the real story -
Brajesh Yadav
They let Carla go like this? No tribute? No montage? No tears on live TV? This is a disgrace. UFC is dead. Long live UFC. 🙏😭
Govind Gupta
That Peña comeback? Pure poetry in motion. Like a storm that quietly rebuilds the shore.
tushar singh
To all the new fans watching tonight - welcome. You’re in for a wild ride. Keep showing up. The sport needs you.
Robert Shealtiel
Pereira’s face looked like he was waiting for a text. Not a single emotion. That’s not dominance. That’s detachment.
Marrissa Davis
I love how every fight feels like a movie. Especially Peña - she’s my hero. I cried. I cheered. I texted my mom. She didn’t get it. But I didn’t care.
Sean Brison
The Aldo-Bautista fight was underrated. Aldo’s footwork was textbook. That guy’s still got it at 38. Respect.
Norm Rockwell
They’re all on the same payroll. The UFC is a front for a global betting syndicate. Pereira’s win? Pre-scripted. Rountree was a plant. Carla’s retirement? A distraction. They’re using the octagon to move money. You think they care about fighters? Nah. They care about the next PPV.
Lawrence Abiamuwe
The discipline shown by all competitors tonight is a testament to the power of dedication. A true inspiration to young athletes across Africa.
Dan Ripma
There is a metaphysical weight to combat - the body as vessel, the mind as blade. Pereira did not merely strike; he revealed the architecture of will. Rountree, in his defiance, became a mirror - and the mirror shattered.
amrin shaikh
Rountree looked like he was training for a yoga retreat. Did he even spar in the last six months? This is why the division is weak. Someone needs to tell the UFC they’re running a circus, not a championship.
jai utkarsh
Let’s be honest - Pereira’s dominance is the result of years of state-sponsored doping in Brazil. They’ve been injecting him with a synthetic compound derived from Amazonian fungi since 2017. The UFC knew. The WADA knew. But they’re all too afraid to say it - because then the whole house of cards collapses. And Carla? She was quietly forced out because she knew too much. This isn’t sport. It’s espionage with gloves.
Chandan Gond
To every kid watching this - you don’t need to be the strongest. You just need to keep showing up. Pereira didn’t win because he was perfect. He won because he never quit. You can do this too.