Alex Pereira beats Khalil Rountree with a KO

Alex Pereira was impressive and brutal in the main event of UFC 307.

The UFC light heavyweight champion scored a tough fourth-round TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. in a punishing, high-IQ performance. Rountree proved he was a dangerous striker and performed well.

However, he ultimately met a champion who was even better at stand-up. Thanks to the efforts of both fighters, the main event won Fight of the Night bonuses.

Here's a look at the finish:

Rountree scored a knockdown in the second round after Pereira missed a head kick. The challenger followed with a hard right hand punch that briefly knocked the champion down.

It was almost the end of the round and Pereira looked more stunned than hurt, but it was a confidence-building moment for Rountree. Unfortunately for him, Pereira increased the pressure in the third round.

He began to find a home for his signature calf kicks, allowing for a punishing jab and some well-placed teep kicks. At the end of the third round, Rountree was reeling and it was clear he had to do something to stem the tide going into the fourth round.

However, he failed to do so as Pereira's dominance had risen to a new level, and he pummeled Rountree until he was faked by two body shots, bringing about the finish. Pereira's title defense was his third at light heavyweight and he is now 9-1 overall in the UFC. Some critics said Pereira should have fought No. 1 contender Magomed Ankalaev and not Rountree in this fight.

This concept has its justification. However, Ankalaev has a big fight against Aleksandr Rakic ​​later this month. If he wins, which is expected, he will have the next shot at Pereira, according to Dana White.

Whenever this fight is booked, it will be difficult to follow as the UFC 307 main event was one of the best of Pereira's career and Rountree's value will rise – even in defeat.

UFC 307 Pay-Per-View card results

• (c) Alex Pereira defeated. Khalil Rountree Jr. via Round 4 TKO – Pereira retains UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
• Julianna Peña defeated. (c) Raquel Pennington via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29) – Pena wins the UFC women’s bantamweight championship
• Mario Bautista defeated. Jose Aldo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Roman Dolidze defeated. Kevin Holland via TKO at 5:00 of the first round (Holland was injured in the first round and could not continue)
• Kayla Harrison defeated. Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

UFC 307 Preliminary Card Results

• Joaquin Buckley defeated. Stephen Thompson via KO at 2:17 of round 3
• Iasmin Lucindo defeated. Marina Rodriguez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Alexander Hernandez defeated. Austin Hubbard via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
• Cesar Almeida defeated. Ihor Potieria by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

UFC 307 Early Preliminary Card Results

• Ryan Spann defeated. Ovince Saint Preux by submission at 1:35 of Round 1 (Guillotine)
• Tecia Pennington defeats Carla Esparza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Court McGee defeats Tim Means via submission at 3:19 of round 1 (rear-naked choke)