Khalil Rountree discusses mindset ahead of unexpected light heavyweight title shot against Alex Pereira: "I'm not worried, I'm not stressed"

Khalil Rountree recently discussed his mindset ahead of his light heavyweight title shot against Alex Pereira this Saturday at UFC 307. He noted that it was unexpected because he is the No. 8 ranked light heavyweight but is prepared to take advantage of his opportunity.

Despite receiving criticism as a result of being awarded a title shot as the No.8 ranked light heavyweight, 'The War Horse' made it clear that he isn't fazed by it. It is a unique situation, which could understandably raise stress levels to ensure it's not a wasted opportunity. With that in mind, the 34-year-old highlighted the importance of living in the moment and being content.

Speaking to former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, 'The War Horse' described his approach to his title opportunity and explained why he is level-headed. Rountree mentioned that he didn't think a title fight was a possibility, and so he is using his hard work as reassurance that he deserves a title shot and is capable of dethroning Pereira:

"Stylistically, man, this is a great fight. And yeah, I understand that there are people that are upset and it's okay...I'm honestly extremely grateful, like, that's the biggest thing that I feel in all this. I'm grateful, I'm happy...I'm grateful, I'm happy. I'm not worried, I'm not stressed. It's like, what a beautiful time right now, opportunity, amazing time to be alive. I've worked so hard, I've put in so much work to get to this point, like, I'm going to enjoy it." [1:04:38 - 1:05:24]

Check out Demetrious Johnson's full interview with Khalil Rountree below:

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Khalil Rountree recounts receiving call for UFC 307 title bout against Alex Pereira

In addition to discussing his mindset for his light heavyweight title shot, Khalil Rountree recounted receiving the call that he would be headlining UFC 307 against Alex Pereira.

During the aforementioned interview, Rountree mentioned that he was serving his suspension when the title fight came as a big surprise. He stated that he was in shock and disbelief but prepared to accept the fight:

"I get another call from one of the [UFC] matchmakers and he's just like, 'Hey, dude, just wanted to say congratulations. I know how hard you have been working'. And I'm like, 'Okay, this is happening'...Yeah, now I'm just living in that moment in my life and in my story where things that I saw possible...it all builds up to this." [1:02:12 - 1:02:38]

Check out the promo for UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree below: