Fans recently expressed their thoughts on Khalil Rountree Jr.'s strategy for his upcoming title fight against Alex Pereira. Rountree Jr. hinted at a stand-up fight, stating that MMA fans wouldn't be disappointed, as he promised to put on a show.
Rountree Jr. is set to challenge Pereira for the light heavyweight title at UFC 307 on Oct. 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Following the announcement, the No.8-ranked challenger received criticism from many, including former champion Jan Blachowicz, who took a shot at Rountree Jr. in his most recent post on X. Blachowicz claimed that there are more legitimate contenders for the belt than the 34-year-old.
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Rountree Jr. shared his game plan for the Pereira fight, saying:
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''In my career, I've never shot one takedown. That's not in my plans. I'm here to put on an amazing fight for the fans. Like this one, regardless of anybody says, this is a fight for the fans. I think with my style, with his style, this fight is not gonna disappoint... And all I can say is just expect a banger man.''
Check out Khalil Rountree Jr.'s comments below (via Championship Rounds on X):
Fans soon rushed to the comments section to share their reactions.
One fan wrote:
''Man we gotta start putting Chromosome limits on the UFC fighter pool. Again, why is everyone trying to stand up with one of the best kickboxers in the league?''
Another fan stated:
''It still amazes me that these guys think they can hang with Alex on the feet. Unless your name is Israel Adesanya, you’re going to get slept''
Other fans wrote:
''Dude's going to sleep''
''This man will earn the fans' respect win or lose''
Check out more reactions below:
Khalil Rountree Jr. hits back at Jamahal Hill over UFC 307 remarks
Jamahal Hill was among the many who criticized the UFC for giving Khalil Rountree Jr. a title shot against Alex Pereira at UFC 307. In a social media rant, Hill expressed disbelief at the promotion's decision and questioned the ranking system's credibility.
However, Rountree Jr. addressed Hill's criticism in a recent interview with Kevin Iole, saying:
"I understand that [Hill] is upset for his own personal reasons...I'm grateful to the UFC for this opportunity. Everybody else, whatever negative opinions, if you're anything but excited about this fight [with Pereira], maybe you got the problem. I don't think it's the matchmakers or the company. It's like if you have a problem with this, I think the problem is yours."
Check out Khalil Rountree Jr.'s comments below: