While some pundits are pegging the upset, famed MMA trainer Firas Zahabi is joining the oddsmakers ahead of the UFC 307 main event.

On Saturday, Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against fellow striker Khalil Rountree and enters the fight as a -500 favorite on some betting lines. Zahabi, head coach of Tristar and long-time mentor of Georges St-Pierre, sees an easy choice in this championship fight.

“Do I think Khalil Rountree has a chance to win? Yes, I do, but I don’t think he will win,” Zahabi said on his YouTube channel. “Why? Pereira has seen everything Khalil Rountree has to offer.”

Although he chooses Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC), Zahabi respects what Rountree (14-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) has done in his career and highly values ​​his fighting style.

“He’s a very classic Thai fighter, very classic,” Zahabi said of Rountree. “He’s a power-punching southpaw. Most of his fights, 90 percent of his fights are southpaws, more than that. He has an incredible, powerful left hand. He can get things done. He is a powerful kicker. He has a wonderful Muay Thai clinch with knees and elbows, but he’s never attempted a single takedown in his career, I didn’t remember a single takedown. Maybe like a trip, but he’s not trying to take the boys down. He never won by submission.

Zahabi greatly appreciates Rountree’s impressive performance, but he appreciates even more what “Poatan” has to offer.

“Pereira has that left hook, and that left hook is more unique and special,” Zahabi said. “Pereira is taller, has greater reach and is more experienced. That’s how I see it. He’s just more experienced. He has beaten bigger names. Pereira.” has more five-round fights, bigger fights, more legendary opponents and a cleaner record. I give him a 65/35 chance (I don’t usually cover fights). when I think they’re so crooked.

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For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s UFC 307 event hub.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Firas Zahabi expects ‘one-sided’ UFC 307 main event: Alex Pereira ‘has seen everything Khalil Rountree brings’