Michael Jai White rains praise on Khalil Rountree Jr., explains why he is his "favorite fighter on the planet" after incredible showing at UFC 307

Khalil Rountree Jr.'s stock soared despite his TKO loss to Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307. That statement alone puts things into perspective on just how inspiring Rountree's performance was.

Actor Michael Jai White was among those who heaped praise on Rountree after the gritty performance, hailing him as his "favorite fighter on the planet." White pointed to Rountree's incredible personal growth, transparency, and discipline, stating that his journey through fighting represents an enlightenment that extends beyond the sport.

The Hollywood star reacted to Rountree's Instagram post which embodied the essence that he "didn’t win the title" but "grew last night." Jai White commented on the post, heaping praise on Rountree, writing:

"This is why @khalilrountree is my favorite fighter on the planet right now! This man’s growth, transparency, and understanding of personal enlightenment forged through the discipline of fighting is unmatched, and he will offer much to the world well beyond his sport!"

Check out Khalil Rountree Jr.'s Instagram post and the comment below:

Michael Jai White heaps praise on Khalil Rountree Jr. [Images courtesy: @khalilrountree on Instagram]

Rountree has been perceived as a fighter with immense potential, but his performance at UFC 307 truly cemented him as a warrior in the eyes of many. He pushed Pereira to his limit in the first two rounds and forced adjustments from the Brazilian in the subsequent rounds.

Pereira poured on the pressure in the fourth round. While there were several moments where Rountree was visibly hurt, the American stayed in the pocket, exchanging blows with Pereira. However, the accumulated damage took a toll as he succumbed to the TKO loss at the 4:32 mark of the fourth round.

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Anderson Silva applauds Khalil Rountree Jr.'s performance against Alex Pereira at UFC 307

Khalil Rountree Jr.'s performance against Alex Pereira at UFC 307, according to the MMA community, will go down in history as one of the most resilient efforts in a title fight.

The American hurt Pereira in the second frame of the fight and forced a realignment in his strategy in the main event of the recently concluded pay-per-view showcase at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He endured the offensive onslaught of 'Poatan' in the third and fourth rounds, eventually succumbing to a TKO loss.

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva took to Instagram to congratulate both fighters on the exciting showdown. Addressing Rountree's efforts in the post, Silva wrote:

"As for my little brother Khalil, I am so proud of you, my brother. Thank you so much for being part of my life. Those who know your story know who you truly are: you are a giant. You walk away from this battle as a winner because you showed that fighting at a high level is not for just anyone... Khalil, don’t forget that only a few like us have the courage to fight the good fight. Strength and honor today and always!"

Check out Anderson Silva's Instagram post below: