Khalil Rountree Jr. might have misplaced his title shot towards Alex Pereira at UFC 307 this previous October, however “Warfare Horse” gained extra in defeat than most fighters do in victory.
Many struggle followers scoffed on the thought of Rountree competing towards Pereira for the UFC gentle heavyweight title, however the former Final Fighter standout did greater than sufficient to show his doubters flawed. Actually, Rountree had “Poatan” harm early into their struggle, however wasn’t in a position to put the champion away.
Pereira ended up smashing Rountree within the later rounds and stopped him with a vicious TKO within the fourth (highlights HERE). It was a fairly gnarly stoppage, however a second that Rountree in the end took in stride. To a lot shock, Rountree admits to having enjoyable throughout his loss to “Poatan,” which isn’t one thing shedding fighters sometimes say.
“It was a bit surreal to be standing in entrance of him in moments, within the face-off and stuff,” Rountree not too long ago informed Battle Power Movies. “However I requested for that struggle from the start. I all the time knew that I needed to struggle him, so after I was there, it was simply extra of a factor … that is what I’ve needed, that is what I’ve all the time imagined.
“The one factor I can actually keep in mind is simply being joyful. Even the second after I bought completed within the fourth spherical, I simply felt so joyful all through that complete struggle. It felt like I used to be the place I belonged. I felt like I belonged there. So it was actually like residing in a dream and there was nothing however happiness and pleasure in these moments.”
Rountree, 34, snapped a five-fight win streak along with his loss to Pereira earlier this yr. It was his first knockout loss since getting stopped by Ion Cuțelaba again in 2019. The defeat wasn’t the easiest way to shut out 2024, however Rountree has had time to mirror on his first UFC title shot and the popularity he’s acquired since then.
“Very massive distinction,” Rountree mentioned. “The time between now and that struggle, there’s been an enormous distinction of feelings. Nevertheless it’s been extra good than unhealthy. I feel the reflection level, I’m targeted on getting higher now, as a result of I need to proceed to win. I need to proceed to placed on thrilling fights, however I need to proceed on the trail of turning into a champion. That’s nonetheless one thing I need to be and I’m going to work in direction of being.
“Nevertheless it’s additionally good that though I’m not a champion, I’ve bought this stage of respect and recognition {that a} champion would have. So it’s a bizarre place to be in, but it surely’s good. I’ve nonetheless bought some work to do.”
