Khalil Rountree talks extremely painful surgery, valiant effort in loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 307

UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree got back to Las Vegas on Sunday after his brawl with champion Alex Pereira Saturday in the main event of UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and on Monday, had surgery to repair a deviated septum.

Rountree put up a spirited effort against one of the greatest MMA fighters of his generation, but fell short and was stopped in the fourth.

But Rountree acquitted himself unbelievably well, so much so that the crowd stood as one and chanted his name in unison after the fight.

Rountree talks about the fight, the injury he suffered in sparring before it happened and what his plans are for a return. He expects to be back early next year and wouldn't mind reprising a canceled fight he'd had scheduled with former champion Jamahal Hill.

#ufc307 #brawl #khalilrountree #alexpereira #ufc #mma #mmafighter #slugfest

[Nestor-yi]

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - 0:44 Intro
1:00 - 2:28 Love and support from fans
2:30 - 4:20 Damage and Injuries
4:30 - 5:40 Expectations before fight
5:40 - 6:53 Pre fight Cut
6:54 - 8:24 Preparation for Alex
8:25 - 9:05 Alex’s Power
9:44 - 10:48 Alex’s Calf kicks
10:49 - 12:20 Return Date
12:30 - 13:30 Next Opponent

[Hamerparsa]

That fight didn’t felt like watching ufc . It felt like watching mortal kombat

[MustObeyTheRules]

Most fighters go into hiding after taking damage like that. He’s already doing interviews. He’s a wild man 😂

[justinlafrance]

Khalil stock goes up. Fan base goes up. I can only imagine his contract goes up too! What a stud!

[Jakethemuss]

What a legend. Humble, honest and no excuses. Speedy recovery bro

[oscarization]

Khalil is the definition of a real man. No gas lighting no ego just a good human being

[gda]

Khalil’s post-fight honesty and analysis is incredibly rare. Whatta G, man, seriously. Such a stand up-guy

[UforoMauriceUko]

He definitely won despite the loss. True Champ 🏆.

[daaaan]

This bloke is what every MMA athlete should aspire to be. Truly inspirational human being

[dunneufc]

Khalil is a role model. I've been through some struggles myself and the way he speaks with confidence and clarity, is amazing to watch. Thanks for the interview!

[Ninad-zpfv]

Man Khalil is setting himself up perfectly to slip into Alex’s spot when he leaves. A real man, being honest about the cardio and telling everyone it was the jab. That’s how a real man loses and wins at the same time. Same reason we love Alex, he takes his losses like a true man. We love Khalil!

[mauriciodenardipeterlevitz]

Khalil got the respect of the whole world . What a heart. What a great champ he is. I am from Brazil and I can tell everybody here is going to cheer for him from now on . Vamos Khalil ! Khalil campeão.

[luishenriquedesantana]

Congratulations, mr Rountree. What a fight! Greetings from Brazil.

[JokerzGallery]

Respect to Khalil. Dude is a savage. That fight was so good and close enough that if he has a big win next fight, he might get a rematch. The ufc knows that rematch would sell ppvs and tix

[sohambubka]

Khalil you're a warrior brother, heal up and come back stronger 🙏🏼💪🏼

[chrisanthimou]

Thanks for this, Kev! And of course, thank you for everything, Khalil!!

[RIZONMUSIC]

wow. this has to be a first. respect man.

[HanginwithMikeC]

Khalil, I was not a fan but my friend you earned it!! Now a super fan of yours!!!

[ElPoopacabra]

I watched the whole fight live rooting for Pereira. I'm pretty sure this is the most nervous I have been as an Alex fan that he might lose, so much so that I was holding my breath throughout long portions of the fight. Both men fought incredibly and really deserve recognition for it. The main event saved 307. No disrespect to the undercard, Khalil and Alex just stole the show and put on a performance fans will never forget. Prayers 4 Khalil, I hope he can recover quickly and he continues to work like he has been. Saturday wasn't his day, but he is a top 5 LHW easily and in that respect he really cemented his place on Saturday. Keep up the good work and there's likely going to be more title opportunities in his future.

[xelementzgaming]

Wow… he’s definitely a humble person… no excuses and giving credit to Alex on his heavy labs… Izzy would’ve said “it was the altitude and my cardio” 😂😂😂