Khalil rountree No. UFC 307. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Still recovering from the after-effects of the fight with Alex Poatán No. UFC 307 e Khalil Rountree Jr. is already planning his return to the octagon. Close to turning 35, the veteran knows he has no time to waste and is eager to return to the fight for the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg). In an interview with journalist 'Kevin Iole', the American said he plans to return in the first quarter of 2025, targeting none other than Jamahal hill.
“I’m really excited to come back and fight again, but it’ll probably be Q1 next year. I think it’s almost inevitable, right? I think he’s ranked No. 3. I think anyone up there in the Top 5 is kind of inevitable, so we’ll see what happens. I think I’ll be talking to the (UFC) brass soon and see what they think,” he said.
Khalil rountree also thanked the support he received after the UFC 307. Despite the defeat, many recognized the efforts of the American, who fought on equal terms against Alex Poatán in the first two rounds. The 'War Horse' also revealed the lessons he learned after the fight with the Brazilian.
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“I know people have seen me fight, but this (loss to Poatan) really showed me two things. It showed me that I’m ready to fight at that level, but it also showed me that there’s a lot to learn and a lot to grow. I want to come back and be very skillful and strategic and just make sure I make the right decisions,” he added.
One of the after-effects against Poatan was a deviated septum caused after a blow from the Brazilian. Rountree had to go through for a septoplasty which, according to him, 'is the worst surgery on the planet'. But if you think that this has hindered the American's plans to become number 1 in the world, you are mistaken.
“I’m not done, I’m going to keep going, and I believe I’ll get another chance to fight for a belt, whether it’s Alex or someone else – if someone can take it from him… But yeah, I think that fight (against Hill) can definitely still happen,” Rountree concluded.
Jamahal hill
At 33, Jamahal hill has not stepped into the octagon since his knockout loss to Poatan in UFC 300, earlier this year. He was scheduled to return against Carlos Ulberg No. UFC 303, however, a series of injuries have ruled him out of the 'Sin City' fight card. Based on his recovery timeline, a matchup with Rountree, on paper, would seem to be the perfect fit.
Ironically, Hill also suffered a brutal 'knockout' defeat to Poatan last weekend. The American appeared to be faking it who was yawning amidst the crowd after the Brazilian's victory in UFC 307 (see video below), downplaying the result. At the post-fight press conference, Poatan responded to the provocation de Jamahal hill, saying he 'had just woken up from UFC 300'.
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