Khalil rountree in a UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India-
Khalil rountree still reflects on the defeat to Alex Poatán for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg.) in UFC 307, an event held in October 2024. On his YouTube channel, the American revealed that he felt like a 'lesser fighter' compared to the Brazilian. In the fight, he ended up being knocked out in the fourth round.
“I felt like Alex was bigger than me. I could feel the size; I could feel the strength, especially when it came to taking punches and stuff. Even though there were a few moments where I was able to push him back, I think it took more energy than I would have liked. The only way to get used to that is to train with bigger guys or have to push a little bit more weight so these guys don’t look so big, you know? I really felt like a smaller guy,” Khalil said.
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The fight for the title was marked by contrasts. Then ranked eighth in the light heavyweight rankings, Khalil managed to surprise in the first rounds. The challenger landed some good blows, knocked Poatan down with a right cross in the second round and even led in the judges' scores until the third round. The Brazilian, however, kept his cool and adjusted his strategy.
With repeated kicks to his opponent's left leg and punches to the body, Alex sapped the challenger's mobility, who began to show visible fatigue from the third round onwards. He picked up the pace and connected a series of uppercuts and hooks to the body that made Rountree collapse before the referee stopped the fight.
In the first edition of UFC in Azerbaijan, Khalil rountree is the protagonist. The American faces Jamahal hill for the main fight of the night in search of a new chance at the belt. The fight takes place on June 21st.
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