Despite leaving Salt Lake City without the UFC light heavyweight title, Khalil Rountree Jr’s stock is certainly through the roof this post-PPV Monday after showing the heart and determination befitting of his ‘War Horse’ moniker.
Now, the veteran UFC fighter has shared his first reaction to the knockout loss suffered at UFC 307; and to the surprise of absolutely no one, the statement is as poignant and humble as the main man himself.
Khalil Rountree Jr shares first statement since KO loss to Alex Pereira in Utah
Taking to Instagram in the aftermath of his defeat in the main event of UFC 307, Khalil Rountree Jr would first thank superstar champion Alex Pereira for giving him the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
“I didn’t win the title but I grew last night. 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.
“Salt Lake City, you guys were amazing and gave me such a memorable experience. I appreciate all of the positive messages from everyone around the world. Dana White, ESPN, ESPN MMA and the entire UFC staff, thanks for giving me a home, a place to have purpose and providing me with challenges to overcome.”
After thanking his family and friends for their “unconditional support” in helping him chase his dream to become a UFC world champion, Rountree would then address the country of Brazil as his attention turned to what’s next.
“Brazil, you guys have a strong champion, be proud. 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… UFC 307 was a night to remember.”
The comments section of the post is awash with messages of support and admiration, with UFC commentator Jon Anik replying how Rountree had “One of the most inspirational performances by a professional athlete I’ve ever seen,” in the sport.
“The most exciting part is to know just how f***** elite you are and seemingly how hard it’s gonna be for the rest of these guys to beat you now,” noted the veteran voice of the octagon, noting how it “Feels like Periera v. Rountree Jr. II is an eventuality.”
Khalil Rountree hailed by Dana White and Conor McGregor over gnarly photo
Given the nature of his performance at UFC 307, Khalil Rountree Jr has deservingly found himself on the receiving end of some high praise from both his fans and peers alike.
Dana White would state that ‘The War Horse’ remains on “another level of tough,” at the post-fight press conference as he celebrated how Rountree “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.”
A few hours after the events conclusion, White would then share one of the most dramatic UFC images of 2024 to his social media pages, writing “Absolute f***** stud,” in the caption.
The picture of a battered and bruised Rountree would be shared by Conor McGregor, who called the image “legendary” within the combat sports world and even boxing icon Tyson Fury: “We don’t play in the fight game, [we are] warriors of the modern day!”
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