THE most active champion in mixed martial arts, the current pound-for-pound numero uno, returns this Saturday aiming to add another knockout to his era of dominance.

Alex Pereira defends his UFC light-heavyweight belt against Khalil Rowntree, the latest top contender with serious power and aspirations to step in with the Brazilian.

But the challenger meets a champion at the peak of his pugilistic prowess.

Salt Lake City played host to Pereira’s first foray up at 205lb in the summer of 2023, but welcomes him back not only as the standout light-heavy on the planet, but the #1 fighter on the UFC roster.

P4P

Whilst P4P rivals like Islam Makhachev and the great Jon Jones have sat largely on the sidelines, Pereira has been both industrious and destructive in his role as champion.

The former middleweight king has defeated three former belt holders since adding 20lb to his frame, scoring three knockouts in each title fight to boot.

Makhachev took on the mantle of MMA’s P4P king last year, after consecutive wins over the previous incumbent, Alex Volkanovski.

But he’s fought just once in the 12 months since, albeit a brilliant fifth-round submission victory over top contender Dustin Poirier.

As for Jones, whilst his legendary career supports GOAT status, his one outing in the last four years against an over-matched Ciryl Gane lasted a mere two minutes four seconds.

CHAMA

Pereira, 37, is showing the kind of activity and productivity that is essential to top dog status.

He’s not just staying busy he’s run through a handful of the division’s past champions in thrilling style and this weekend headlines his fourth UFC numbered event inside a year.

Rowntree, of course, is no easy touch.

The 34-year-old Californian, who like Pereira only discovered fight sports later in life, has won his last five fights, four by knockout, to climb to #8 at 205lb

A somewhat unlikely challenger, he gets his chance after those above him either failed to dethrone Pereira or are deemed undeserving of a UFC title opportunity right now.

Rowntree cannot be denied.

His knockout run of form secured him three Performance bonuses and include December’s breakthrough one-shot third-round TKO over former title contender Anthony Smith.

His aggressive, southpaw striking style is a genuine threat to all, including Pereira.

The champion starts as favourite, of course, but Rowntree is being tipped as his sternest test stylistically since he climbed aloft the light-heavyweight division.

Leg kicks from the champion will likely be utilised to take away Rowntree’s boxing base in the early exchanges, it’s how the challenger deals with that and gets his power shots off that will dictate his chances.

Two big hitters, one at the very pinnacle of the sport, the other with nothing to lose and everything to gain, this match-up ensures violence is guaranteed from the opening bell. Rowntree will swing and undoubtedly will land, but Pereira’s chin is stronger than ever and he’s simply too quick, too slick and too damn talented to be defeated in 2024.

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