It's fight night in Salt Lake City with UFC 307 on tap and the stakes couldn't be higher. Alex Pereira, the light heavyweight champion known for his devastating knockout power, defends his title against underdog Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event. Despite another quick turnaround, Pereira's on a roll after back-to-back knockouts in 2024. Rountree, however, is determined to seize his moment and has embraced his underdog role with a promise of no-holds-barred striking.
In the co-main event, women's bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington looks to defend her belt against former champ Julianna Peña. After a decade-plus in the UFC, "Rocky" finally claimed gold in January with a unanimous decision win over Mayra Buena Silva at UFC 297. Peña returns from a 798-day layoff to reclaim her throne after losing the title to Amanda Nunes in July 2022.
With two explosive title fights — and an action packed undercard — fans can expect plenty of MMA brilliance Saturday inside the Delta Center. Who will rise to the occasion in Salt Lake City's high elevation? Follow the card right here on Yahoo Sports where we'll be sharing live updates, highlights and analysis from the entire Uncrowned staff.
Live37 updates
Uncrowned Staff
Ref's epically bad night continues
Dave Seljestad, refereeing in just his seventh UFC fight, breaks up the fighters as Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan laugh about the terrible decision.
Almeida eye pokes Potieria, but the ref continues the action, then Almeida punches him low and time is called. Fight resumes after Potieria recovered, but then he gets poked in the other eye. Painful sequence for Potieria, who sat down in the Octagon to recover.
"It's been an amazing journey these last 15 years I've fought the best of the best, and it's not always easy," Esparza said in her post-fight interview. "There's ups and downs in the sport, but I wouldn't have done it any other way. This is the greatest sport in the world. And thank you to all the UFC fans, my friends, my family, the awesome UFC staff, just my coach Colin Oyama who's been with me from day one, and my manager, Brian. Just everybody, I'm so, man, I just, I love this sport. Thank you guys so much."
Wow. Love that we get a sendoff tribute video here. Excellent stuff. Again, Esparza is a historic piece of the 115-pound puzzle. Farewell to the pioneer.
Judges' decision is incoming, but Esparza finished strong on top and raining down blows. Pennington's targeted and aggressive attack should score her the win as she sends Esparza into retirement.
Uncrowned Staff
Round 2 ends
After a close round, Esparza and Pennington trade big shots in the final minute of the 2nd! Third round could be the decider.
Picture-perfect right hand landed by Carla Esparza halfway through the second round. The Cookie Monster looks great in her retirement fight! #UFC307 🍪
Pennington's aggressiveness pays off early and she lands several big shots on Esparza right out of the gate. Esparza weathers the storm and ends up taking her down and controlling her for the last three minutes of the round, but only after taking some rough upkicks from Pennington. Pennington lands 11 significant strikes in the round to Esparza's 9.
Uncrowned Staff
Love her or hate her, Carla Esparza has been a big part of strawweight history and deserves respect for her accomplishments. A nice little full-circle TUF 20 rematch with Tecia Pennington on deck.
It’s not getting a lot of shine ahead of the fight, but a two-time UFC champ who owns some important MMA firsts makes the walk for the final time at UFC 307. Some words on that. https://t.co/EEV1inBQRi
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of UFC 307. Saturday's main event features light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira facing No. 8-ranked challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. In the co-main event, women's bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington meets former champ Julianna Peña. But before the two title fights at the top of the card, we've got 10 fights starting with the early prelims matchup between Court McGee and Tim Means in the welterweight division. Follow all the action right here.
UFC 307 goes down Saturday night inside the Delta Center in Salt Lake City headlined by two title fights. (Graphic by Joseph Raines/Yahoo Sports)
UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. main card, odds (Start time 10 p.m. ESPN+ PPV)
UFC 307 prelims card, odds (Live now on ESPNEWS/ESPN+)
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