The entire world is clamoring to shoot for takedowns against Alex Pereira. However, Khalil Rountree seems to have chalked out a more exciting pathway to the world title. He not only wants to trade with the former glory kickboxing champion but force him to shoot for a takedown. The 34-year-old challenger has never incorporated grappling into his game plan and has no intentions to alter it.
Nine months ago, Rountree began his campaign to book this fight, calling it ‘the most exciting fight’ in the division. Nearly a year later, UFC turned his dream into reality by leap-frogging seven other men to favor him. Speaking with Michael Bisping, Rountree made it quite clear that not even his coaches can force him to grapple. Should they demand him to do so, they would most likely lose their job.
If it were my coach. I would say, maybe I need to look for another coach man. I mean, it doesn’t make sense. I am not a wrestler.
Khalil Rountree via Michael Bisping YouTube
Khalil Rountree doubled on his comment, stating that it is just not his instinct to go for takedowns. It would feel like a betrayal to switch things up at the height of his career. Not only that, but he would also question his team’s confidence in his ability if they forced him to make that switch.
So far, only a few fighters have gotten the better of Southpaw fighter from California. Moreover, Rountree has already beaten one former glory champion in Gokhan Saki. If he gets the nod at UFC 307, he will go 2-0 vs. Glory champions.
Fighting Alex Periera is ‘something from a movie’ suggests Khalil Rountree
During his conversation with ‘The Count,’ Rountree discussed the idea of fighting Alex Periera as nothing short of a movie. His career trajectory has been a roller coaster ride, wherein he reinvented himself by training in Thailand. Adopting the Muay Thai style wasn’t an easy transition, but it has certainly evolved his game to a whole new level.
Alex Pereira has been on a fantastic run in the 205-pound division with multiple defenses to his name. To improve his game, Pereira was spotted training with Judo champion Kayla Harrison. Despite that, Rountree feels he couldn’t have asked for a better fight to culminate his storied career, and he expects a stand-up war with the champ.
Yeah, it is something from a movie. I say, every time I answer this question. I’m very happy, like this is such a good fight and a good match up that I am looking forward to.
Khalil Rountree via Michael Bisping YouTube
The fight is set to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the biggest upsets occur. A couple of years ago, fans saw underdog Leon Edwards knock out Kamaru Usman via a head-kick KO. Similarly, Rountree is shaping up to be the underdog that many MMA pundits are favoring to pull off the upset. Pereira has even added a cheeky bet to uphold the ‘no takedown’ pact. It would be interesting to see who folds first.
