Brendan Schaub is concerned about Khalil Rountree Jr. after UFC 307.
Light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr. in the fourth round of their exciting fight at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday night.
The challenger started the bout shockingly well and even scored a knockdown in round two.
However, he was a bloody mess by the time Pereira took him out in the fourth frame, which ultimately ended thanks to two devastating body shots.
Dana White shared a picture of Rountree Jr. post-fight, and it went viral as Conor McGregor and a bunch of UFC fans marvelled at the American being barely recognizable.
- READ MORE: Joe Rogan was left stunned by Marc Goddard’s comments about Alex Pereira’s punching power.
Brendan Schaub believes Khalil Rountree Jr. took life-changing damage at UFC 307
Schaub is concerned that Rountree Jr. won’t bounce back after UFC 307.
The former UFC heavyweight, who is now a comedian and podcaster, is sure that the valiant effort will leave Rountree Jr. with several scars on his face and potentially a long-term brain injury.
“Khalil Rountree is probably never going to be the same,” Schaub said on his YouTube channel.
“Rountree should be so proud of himself. Even to get a shot at the title is so rare, you are talking about a one-percenter here.
“I think what Rountree did, he didn’t come into the fight thinking this, it’s just who he is. It’s in his blood, and we saw a lot of his blood.
“It’s just he had to remind you guys, that this is not a game, it is fighting at the end of the day. Boy, did he let y’all know that it’s just a different game, and that’s why everyone loves the UFC.
“Insane! He should be so proud of himself; he gave everything he could do.
“You ever seen when lions are fighting hyenas with blood all over them? He was just fighting to the death.
“It ain’t the Packers vs. the Dolphins, it’s not Dodgers vs. Padres. That was a straight up as close as you can get near-death experience that you’re watching on TV. It is not a game.
“What you saw Rountree do, he will never be the same… The cracks in his face, the cut on his nose, the cut over his eye will never look the same and who knows what it leads to down the road.
“The concussion problems, brain damage, we don’t know.”
Khalil Rountree Jr. promises to return better than ever after UFC 307.
Rountree Jr. holds an opposite view to the one Schaub has touted.
The 34-year-old believes his loss to Pereira will make him a better fighter moving forward.
“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,” Rountree Jr. wrote in a post-fight social media statement.
“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 of becoming a UFC world champion, Rountree addressed the country of Brazil as his attention turned to what’s next.
“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… UFC 307 was a night to remember.”