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Khalil Rountree Jr. may have come up short against Alex Pereira at UFC 307, but his performance in the first half of their fight undoubtedly raised his stock in the eyes of many fans (watch the highlights here).
Coming into Salt Lake City, many questioned why the UFC was even booking the No. 8 ranked light heavyweight to fight Pereira for the 205 pound title. But not only did “War Horse” keep his word that he wouldn’t shoot a takedown against “Poatan,” he won the first two rounds on the feet, according to all three judges’ scorecards.
But as fatigue set in and Pereira’s leg kicks broke down his movement, Rountree slowed and what worked in the early rounds no longer worked. Pereira started piecing him up in the third round, and the fourth turned into a bloody beatdown that ended via TKO with just under 30 seconds to go. Through it all, Khalil remained game and kept fighting back. It was a valiant effort, if not enough to defeat the reigning champion.
In a new post on Instagram, Rountree reflected upon the defeat.
“I didn’t win the title but I grew last night,” he wrote. Alex Pereira, thanks for helping me see that I’m ready to take on the world. You showed amazing skill, you brought out a version of me that I needed to experience. You’re the champ for a reason, much respect. But I now know what I am capable of.”
“Brazil, you guys have a strong champion, be proud,” he added. “I will take time to heal from this. I’ll be back even better, it’s inevitable. I’m grateful. Never give up on yourself, always fight hard, uplift your communities, and find ways to make the most out of life. Delta Center thanks for hosting us. UFC 307 was a night to remember.”
The picture Rountree chose for his post is worth a thousand words: Khalil moments after the loss, with his eye cut open and his nose split with an X like an anime character … smiling. Legitimately happy to have experienced the fight. Coming up short, but knowing he gave it his all.
We’re looking forward to seeing what he does after some time off to heal up. After a performance like that, he’ll undoubtedly have a lot of new fans.
For complete UFC 307 results and play-by-play, click HERE!
