Khalil Rountree could not have picked up the win to win his first-ever final Preventing Championship (UFC) world title in opposition to Alex Pereira at UFC 307 a number of weeks in the past, however “Conflict Horse’s” inventory approach up in defeat.
Rountree went toe-to-toe in opposition to “Poatan” in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah in one of the entertaining title fights of 2024. Whereas he did sufficient at hand round for the primary three rounds, Pereira ultimately began to seek out his groove, finally placing away the tough-as-nails contender within the fourth body (see it once more right here).
Regardless of arising brief and searching worse for the damage, Rountree says he feels good about his efficiency, particularly understanding that struggle followers world wide, and the UFC higher-ups, had been please together with his efficiency.
“I’ve spoken personally with Dana (White) and Hunter (Campbell) and I really feel like I received the steak dinner already as a result of they had been entertained,” Rountree instructed MMA Junkie Radio (by way of MMA Junkie). “I believe for me as a associate with the UFC it’s certainly one of my greatest targets to verify the fellows on the high are happy with what they see. After talking with them and them being excited in regards to the efficiency, they’re positively happy,” he added earlier than saying he isn’t too positive what’s subsequent for him contained in the cage.
“That felt like a deal with in itself. So far as what’s subsequent on the struggle finish, I believe there can be just a little bit extra room for me to say what I would like. However that imaginative and prescient proper now is just not so clear, he added earlier than confirming that he need’s a Prime 5 opponent.
“I believe proper now any identify within the high 5 or inside title rivalry to me, is smart,” There’s not one identify particularly. There’s not one one that I’m emotionally connected to or a struggle I believe I deserve subsequent. However I wish to proceed to struggle individuals inside the high 5 so I can get one other shot on the title. It looks as if nearly all of the fellows are booked or injured, however whereas I’m therapeutic up there might be an excellent variety of matchups to occur and I might love anyone that units me up for one more title struggle.”
A struggle between he and Jamahal Hill — who was additionally final seen on the improper finish of Pereira’s ungodly punches — was floating round in “Conflict Horse’s” thoughts as a possible comeback struggle. And it’s not a nasty thought seeing as how each males would love nothing greater than to get one again on “Poatan.”
For now, Rountree is sitting again and letting his face heal from all the injury he took from the Mild Heavyweight champion of the world. If a struggle in opposition to Hill doesn’t come to move, maybe this man can be keen to step in.
