Khalil Rountree continues to deal with his UFC 307 defeat with class.
Though Rountree (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) gave an interview within the cage Saturday at Delta Heart in Salt Lake Metropolis, as he practically bled throughout commentator Joe Rogan, he didn’t submit something on social media till Sunday.
In a prolonged written assertion, Rountree thanked Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) for the extreme back-and-forth battle their shared collectively and indicated he found so much about himself over the course of the combat.
“I didn’t win the title however I grew final evening,” Rountree wrote on Instagram. “@alexpoatanpereira thanks for serving to me see that I’m able to tackle the world. You confirmed wonderful ability, you introduced out a model of me that I wanted to expertise. You’re the champ for a cause, a lot respect. However I now know what I’m able to.”
Rountree misplaced his first UFC title combat by fourth-round TKO, however had sturdy moments within the first two rounds regardless of his standing as a heavy betting underdog. He was praised throughout social media by followers for his coronary heart, braveness and moments of success within the combat.
“#saltlakecity you guys have been wonderful and gave me such a memorable expertise,” Rountree continued. “I recognize all the optimistic messages from everybody all over the world. @danawhite @espn @espnmma and your entire @ufc workers, thanks for giving me a house, a spot to have goal and offering me with challenges to beat. Huge due to my spouse @miakang, my household (Donny, Dave, P, all of my uncles and aunts, The Pavlica’s, the Ramseys, Everybody) to your unconditional help. Brazil 🇧🇷 you guys have a robust champion, be proud.
“I’ll take time to heal from this, I’ll be again even higher, it’s inevitable. I’m grateful. By no means surrender on your self, all the time combat arduous, uplift your communities and discover methods to take advantage of out of life. @deltacenter thanks for internet hosting us. #ufc307 was an evening to recollect.”
Rountree, 34, had gained 5 fights in a row to earn his title shot. Given the harm (a few of it very seen) sustained Saturday, it’s unclear when he’ll return. Every time he does, Rountree will nearly definitely achieve this with a following.
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