Double champion? Khalil Rountree details humiliation against Chimaev and bets on success in the light heavyweight division: 'We're screwed'

Chimaev and Rountree in a photo shoot. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/khalilrountree

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Khamzat Shimaev He hasn't yet switched from middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg), but he's already making the competition nervous about the likely change. In any case, this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the Russian champion will still be in action in the category in the main fight of UFC 328How did the athlete's training camp integrate for the highly anticipated duel against Sean Strickland and saw its quality up close, Khalil rountree He admitted that he was scared.

In conversation with journalists to promote the UFC 328The American, without making a secret of it, confessed that he had a tough time training with Chimaev and bet on his success in the light heavyweight division. And Rountree has the authority to speak on this, as he is one of the top names in the category, having fought for the title.

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The veteran's candor is so great that it serves as a warning to the other top fighters in the division to prepare for the worst possible scenario. In fact, in one of the training videos released, Chimaev, despite being a wrestler, put Rountree, a specialist in striking, in a difficult position.

“It’s definitely exhausting, difficult, and humbling. It’s inspiring in a way too, because your effort, your will, and your skill are unparalleled. So, there are many things that can be said and learned when you actually find yourself fighting against the best in the world. I feel strange in many ways,” said the UFC top fighter.

“When I first heard the news, I was a little upset. Just knowing that a guy like Chimaev could come to the category and be an opponent, it doesn't make me happy to think about it. Training with that guy, he's the best in the world.”

“It’s difficult in all areas, in striking, in grappling. Nobody has an easy round against Chimaev. It doesn’t matter the weight class, the size. My first thought was, ‘Damn, if he moves up a weight class, we’re screwed.’ That’s more or less how I see it,” he concluded.

Rountree Fighters in MMA

Khalil rountree[Name], 36 years old, is a veteran of combat sports and one of the most violent MMA fighters. The American began his career in the sport in 2014, debuted in the UFC in 2016, and competed for the light heavyweight title in 2024. Currently, the athlete is ranked fifth in the division.

In sports, 'The War Horse' built a record of 14 wins, nine by knockout, seven losses, and one no contest. His main victories were against... Anthony SmithGokhan Saki, Jamahal hill e Paul Craig.