UFC 307 fight grades: Did Pereira-Roundtree live up to expectations? - ESPN

Any UFC card that features Alex Pereira in the main event automatically becomes must-see TV. And, as expected, Pereira delivered a violent performance against the resolute Khalil Rountree Jr. in defense of his light heavyweight championship. Pereira stole the show in Salt Lake City with an impressive win over Rountree. But how well did the rest of UFC 307 fare with a card that included a Hall of Famer (José Aldo), a future Hall of Famer in her retirement fight (Carla Esparza) and a pair of high-stakes fights in the women's bantamweight division?

After each pay-per-view, we break down and assess the quality of each fight and the fight card as a whole based on skill displayed, competitiveness and what is at stake.

Result: Pereira def. Rountree by fourth-round TKO

Grade: A

The result was far from the one-sided drubbing that many anticipated. Instead, Pereira versus Rountree was something far more frightening and violent. Rountree answered the call with a spirited effort, raising eyebrows with his resolve and power. The challenger was explosive and matched Pereira in the power department.

Rather than engage in heated exchanges of leather, «Poatan» calmly deployed crippling leg kicks and a thudding jab that left Rountree's face covered in cuts and bruises. It was methodical yet enthralling as Pereira and Rountree entertained until multiple body punches ended the fight. This was a far different outing than Pereria's previous wins, adding to his remarkable career.

Result: Buckley def. Thompson by third-round TKO

Grade: B

For most of the fight, Buckley charged at Thompson and launched fight-ending power shots while «Wonderboy» used counterstriking to pick off his powerful opponent. It worked for 12 minutes, leading to an