Revisiting how UFC billboards influenced Khalil Rountree Jr. as he gets emotional about headlining his first-ever PPV

Khalil Rountree Jr. is set to headline his first-ever pay-per-view event, which also marks his maiden UFC title shot. Ahead of it, Rountree recently highlighted the UFC billboards' positive influence on him, something he's discussed previously as well.

The 34-year-old boasts a professional MMA record of 13-5 with one no contest. The Los Angeles-born Las Vegas-based combatant is coming off a third-round TKO victory over Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 83 last December.

Rountree is scheduled to fight UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for the title in the headlining match of UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend.

The recently released UFC 307 Countdown episode features Khalil Rountree Jr. standing outside the UFC headquarters in Vegas. Rountree suggested that he used to drive past the area and seek motivation from the UFC billboards on the building.

The UFC's X handle also tweeted a clip of Rountree outside the HQ. He indicated that it was the place the seed was planted, adding that his dream had finally materialized. He acknowledged the mammoth billboard of himself and fellow UFC 307 headliners currently adorning the building.

The video in the tweet then featured footage of Rountree from his UFC Vegas 83 post-fight press conference, during which he said:

"When I would have to drive to the gym -- 300 pounds, still smoking cigarettes, still depressed -- I would have to drive down the 15 and I'd always see the UFC billboard. And as I started to get more familiar with MMA and UFC, that's something that I've seen so many times. And that was something that I looked at, the motivation. Whatever pay-per-view, it's right there off the 15, by the Palace Station."

The video transitioned back to 2024, with Khalil Rountree Jr. outside the HQ. Rountree added:

"I used to drive up and down this freeway, when I first got started, and get so inspired by the billboards of the guys that were on the main event. And now, here we are. Finally, I'm up there. And it's just, it's crazy. I mean, it's just a testament to, like, hard work pays off. And for it to be this moment, I've got my family with me here to just kind of soak in this moment. I'm so excited. Today's an amazing day."

Check out Khalil Rountree Jr.'s comments below:

Watch the Countdown episode below (Rountree's appearance outside the UFC HQ at 13:21):

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Khalil Rountree Jr. addressed UFC billboards and shed tears in heartwarming post-fight interview in 2023

During his UFC Vegas 83 post-fight press conference last December, Khalil Rountree Jr. thanked the UFC for giving his life a constructive direction.

Rountree recalled being a "suicidal" 20-year-old, noting that he'd drive by the UFC billboards in his native Vegas and dreamed that he was "going to be on that billboard" himself someday.

Rountree, who'd just beaten Smith and called for a title shot against Pereira, underscored that he respects 'Poatan'. He further asserted it'd mean a lot for him to win the title and bring it to Vegas. Having overcome several adversities, 'The War Horse' shed tears, seemingly collected himself, and then smilingly gave a thumbs-up gesture before leaving.

Watch Khalil Rountree Jr. address the topic below (19:14):