Khalil Rountree Jr. gained’t apologize for profiting from a chance.
UFC CEO Dana White lately introduced that Rountree will problem Alex Pereira for the sunshine heavyweight title at UFC 307 in Salt Lake Metropolis. The matchup was extremely sudden as Rountree continues to be underneath suspension for by accident ingesting a banned substance. Talking with MMA Combating this week, Rountree defined how this all got here collectively.
“I bought a name from Hunter [Campbell],” Rountree mentioned. “I used to be having a foul day that day, coping with another stuff, and he was like, ‘Hey, I’ll make your day higher, we’ve bought this chance so that you can struggle Alex in October.’ It form of got here abruptly, however in fact I’m going to simply accept. That’s the struggle I’ve needed, it’s the struggle I’ve been calling for, and I’m excited, I’m completely satisfied, I’m grateful.”
After all, not everyone seems to be as completely satisfied as Rountree. Followers and plenty of fighters criticized the matchup given Rountree’s suspension and the very fact he’s solely No. 8 within the UFC mild heavyweight rankings. However Rountree isn’t involved concerning the naysayers; he’s targeted on the individuals who assist him getting this opportunity.
“I perceive that individuals are upset. No matter. It’s not my drawback, for one,” Rountree mentioned. “It’s not my drawback. It’s out of my management. They provide me the decision — OK, I take it. Allow them to take care of their very own issues. Allow them to speak to the UFC. No matter followers aren’t completely satisfied about this, I don’t know why. I couldn’t even name them true followers for those who’re not completely satisfied about this matchup.
“However for everyone else, they’re completely proper. It’s going to be thrilling from begin to end, and I’m hyped.”
Regardless of some folks’s misgivings, Rountree is at the moment on a five-fight profitable streak, most lately ending former title challenger Anthony Smith this previous December. He additionally has a novel declare to having already crushed three former GLORY kickboxers in UFC. In that regard, Pereira is like the ultimate boss of GLORY Kickboxing in MMA, a two-division champion who has transitioned seamlessly into UFC. Once they meet within the octagon in October, Rountree believes he’ll add one other to the record and make his desires come true.
“That is what I’ve been working for,” Rountree mentioned. “After I began MMA, all the things, my life modified. All of it occurred form of accidentally, however I stayed sturdy, I stayed devoted, and I’ve at all times had a perception that this was potential. Now I’m lastly right here and I’m dwelling on this actuality that was a dream, so what it means to me is all the things. It’s that point I’ve at all times seen in my thoughts. Now it’s right here.
“I’ve bought a message for Alex, and that’s see you in October. All people else, nothing. Watch me in October.”
