Khalil Rountree Jr. envisions a match packed with high-intensity action as he prepares to face Alex Pereira this autumn. Unexpectedly, Rountree, ranked #8 in the UFC Light Heavyweight category, has been offered a chance to vie for the championship, a decision declared by UFC CEO Dana White. The battle for the coveted championship title against the current champ – Pereira, is scheduled as the headline of UFC 307 on October 5, set to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This opportunity came as a sudden surprise for Rountree, especially since he hasn’t stepped into the octagon since his victory in December over Anthony Smith. Despite others being ahead of him in the contender list, the 34-year-old’s title shot has stirred excitement both in him and the UFC audience. During an interview with Kevin Iole, Rountree Jr. admitted to his disbelief upon hearing the news, reaffirming that it was indeed unforeseen but not unwelcome.
“It took me completely by surprise,” Rountree admitted when he learnt about his bout against Pereira, “I hadn’t anticipated that this could be a possibility, at this moment. But I’ve always been ready for it, and it’s always been a goal of mine.”
However, what didn’t come as a surprise to him was the reaction of his fellow light heavyweights. Their response to him going head-to-head with Pereira for the championship has created a buzz, particularly from the former champion and current #3 Jamahal Hill. Hill, who was initially slated to fight Rountree at UFC 303, voiced his concern about Rountree’s sudden launch from a previous positive drug test and its accompanying two-month suspension at the beginning of the year, to a world title fight by fall.
In response to Hill’s statement calling his title shot damaging for the sport, Rountree Jr. defended his position firmly. It should be noted that Rountree had voluntarily given information about the supplement he ingested, which contained DHEA, an illegal substance as per UFC regulations. With his suspension ending in July, Rountree said, “His reasoning is personal and doesn’t affect my stance. I don’t agree with it undermining the sport. I believe my title shot is a positive event for the sport.”
The headliner match in Salt Lake City promises a clash of striking styles, with Pereira as a former GLORY Kickboxing Champion squaring off against Rountree’s powerful Muay Thai technique which has directly contributed to him knocking out four of his last five opponents. Pereira is equally adept at causing knockouts, his recent victories over Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill this year being testament to that. This makes the matchup between first-time title challenger Rountree Jr. and Pereira more appealing to the fans.
“The anticipation amongst the fans is already palpable for this fight,” Rountree elaborated on the upcoming bout, “We’re set to go toe-to-toe. It’s going to be a fillip for the audience… if anyone disagrees, then the issue lies with them.”
“When I think of Alex, I see a seasoned striker brimming with talent who also has quite a punch to his strikes. I see these traits in myself as well. Now, it’s a matter of facing each other in the ring with our equal yet powerful striking skills, vying for the championship title.”
“I don’t approach this match with trepidation,” Rountree said, looking forward to the matchup, “Rather, I’m enthusiastic, I’m amped up, and I’m counting on delivering what could be the fight of the year. This is undoubtedly going to be the showdown of the year, I guarantee it.”