If you look up the definition of ‘Going out on your shield’ in a dictionary, it should probably just show this post-fight picture of a battered-and-bruised Khalil Rountree Jr.
The veteran ‘War Horse’ gave Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira one of the toughest fights of his entire career and from the latest image that’s going viral on MMA social media, it’s clear that the title challenger paid the price for his bravery.
UFC fans and fighters go wild for ‘legendary’ post-fight picture of Rountree Jr
Despite leaving the arena with the bitter taste of defeat in his mouth, Khalil Rountree Jr can hold his head high after delivering a truly unbelievable performance against one of the most dangerous strikers in the entire sport.
Not only did Rountree manage to last much longer than many fans expected at UFC 307, but he decidedly took the fight to Alex Pereira; even wobbling the legendary kickboxer on more than one occasion thanks to his own powerful offense.
Dana White would state at the post-fight press conference how “Khalil Rountree is another level of tough,” and that he was blown away by how he remained composed while in the crosshairs of such a terrifying KO artist.
“He had no fear from the first round, Khalil Rountree went in there and started going at it from the minute that the bell rang; no fear, no jitters, no nerves – maybe he did, but he didn’t show it… He went right in there against one of the baddest dudes of all time and just started mixing it up with him, it was awesome.”
Yet the post-fight press conference was certainly not the last time that White would come out to celebrate the heart and chin of Rountree, with a new image of the battered title challenger now going viral online.
The image, first shared to Dana White’s Instagram page, shows Rountree with a severe cut over his right eye, which has swelled shut, with further damage to his nose and cheek as the high exposure shows just how brutal this sport can be.
- OUCH: Dana White roasts ‘atrocious’ judging at UFC 307, says it felt ‘like a boxing match in Ireland’
White would aptly caption the image: “Absolute f***** stud,” with former UFC double champion Conor McGregor also labeling the picture as “legendary” within the world of combat sports.
The post would be shared by ESPN MMA, with some of the top comments reading: “Heart of a warrior,” “Alex is by far the most terrifying fighter I’ve ever seen,” “Khalil just gained a new fan,” and “Heart of a champion.”
Rountree now drops to 13-6 as a professional, with UFC 307 representing only the fourth stoppage loss of his career.
On the flip side, Alex Pereira broke Ronda Rousey’s record for the shortest amount of time between three world title defenses, further exhibiting his global star power.
Despite leaving Salt Lake City back in the losers column, Rountree did at least leave the arena $50K better off after the title fight with Pereira was awarded the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus.
Bloody Elbow joins fans in wishing ‘The War Horse’ a speedy recovery.