Khalil Rountree Makes Case For Alex Pereira Title Fight After TKO | UFC Fight Night 233

UFC Fight Night 233 winner Khalil Rountree talks to MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight after his third-round TKO of Anthony Smith in Las Vegas.
Full fight recap: mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/1...
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#UFCVegas83 #UFC #KhalilRountree

[@siandzahara]

It shows how much respect he had for Anthony Smith that he didn't immediately jump in with the hammer fist. He held his fist up high in the air to give Mark Smith enough time to realise the fight was over, and Anthony Smith was spared any unnecessary damage. Boss move.

[@elusivejugmaster43]

Stand up guy, no need to dish out unnecessary damage.

[@endqualifiedimmunity8985]

Dude could have put this fight away in the second, if he really had respect for him he would have done that instead of stringing him a lot to do additional damage into the 3rd. No need for that, wake up Rountree, dude was barely standing and u just stood that not doing shit while he recovered enough to punch him 10 more times in the head

[@user-fe5bm6ot8o]

Opposite of Demon Ngannou

[@fofeff7241]

all i here is fart noises when i read this@@endqualifiedimmunity8985

[@marzovaliente]

What a lame take.

[@Pyrokami]

Khalil is a breath of fresh air compared to other fighters interviews. Hes incredibly transparent and honest.

[@LVUFC]

Khalil is so soft spoken and a super emotional dude. But he gets in there and he is on par one of the most violent dudes in the sport . He throws with such violence.

[@JohnJohn-yp7ex]

@@michaeljackson5790 Khalil is outspoken about depression and stuff like that. Stop being salty

[@intraterrestrial5035]

​@@michaeljackson5790and you're not michael jackson

[@bingflosby]

Water is soft And it can be destructive as well Be water my friend

[@AXharoth]

you dont see m to understand that violence can more often than not come from emotions , so idk why youre so surprised

[@AXharoth]

stop projecting , yes we do @@michaeljackson5790

[@InfoSuperSource]

This guy gained a fan on the interview alone. Mad respect for the level of respect he carries for his opponet.

[@unsub6737]

Alex said he wants to fight soon & be more active, so while Jamahal gets back to 100%, with most of top 10 coming off loses & Ankalaev/Johnny tied up bc of Ankalaev's bad juju, i'll take Alex vs. Khalil, Kickboxing vs. Muay Thai. That's a banger.

[@kavinraj4689]

I know Rakic is not the best style for Khalil but if he wants to get fast-tracked he should call him out. Jan is out and Rakic is looking for an opponent.

[@ZigZaguiar]

That would be an awesome fight and also would definitely be a good enough win to fast track him this is a great call out

[@trikytrik696969]

Actually a good call

[@nanashi5139]

No he deserves the title fight right now for what he has done with these brutal finishes. This fight between him and Alex is going to be so epic it could go either way🔥

[@HoorayMeee]

Rakic makes sense. But he’s the only top five available within the next couple of months. Smart move by Khalil to keep the hype up and call out the champ. I hope he gets the title shot, but him vs Rakic is still a great fight if that gets made instead.

[@Piccolopete]

I have diarrhea

[@Jiayne1335]

i wanted Anthony to win,but hats off to Khalil hes a class act and very well spoken.good luck to him.

[@joebagodonuts8119]

Smith is 1-3 in my last 4 fights and he could have been 0-4. I think Anthony Smith has made it to Gatekeeper status.

[@JackhammerPossessor]

he had made it to the gates of heaven

[@SirUnaiEmery]

cut status more like

[@nickt1275]

He's been a gatekeeper his whole career.

[@Piccolopete]

I have diarrhea

[@MrRobjs83]

if Paul Craig goes back to 205 that's the fight right there

[@joeycurtis1872]

Always been a big fan and wished he got here a lot sooner, with a 5 fight win streak with 4 knockouts there's no doubt Khalil can handle top 3. He's one of the few who still has that healthy fire burning, and hunger few fighters still have when they step in the cage.

[@lookatmycloset]

He can’t hang w the top 5, Johnny walker destroyed him alrdy

[@joeycurtis1872]

@lookatmycloset mma math doesn't work, and fighters improve

[@lookatmycloset]

@@joeycurtis1872 any of the other top 5 will destroy him, Johnny being the worst out of them. And I wouldn’t say he’s improved at all, he just hasn’t fought anyone dangerous yet…

[@TheRealMMAGirly_TheOther1sFake]

His thoughtful personality is really starting to grow on me

[@madmartigan3921]

I wish Khalil and Strickland were in the same weight class, they're like ying and yang, would make for an interesting buildup and fight.

[@cwhall5430]

You can look around now, Khalil, because YOU DID IT!!! Respect the process, but enjoy the grind to getting where you want to be. Much respect 🙏

[@floodwaters8887]

So many yes men in the UFC, why the hell would Smith take that fight on 2 weeks.

[@JackhammerPossessor]

so he can retire

[@HoorayMeee]

Smith is a commentator, and loves to talk. In his mind, he’s analyzed Khalil so much, he felt that he knew everything Khalil could throw at him. He honestly thought he could outlast him. I’m sure he knows it’s not okay to turn down fights with his recent record either. TLDR; he thought he could win, and probably felt some pressure to take it short notice

[@dillonyoung7870]

Money talks

[@zealpulses3826]

You must not know, on paper Lionheart can beat anyone.

[@dilarch5957]

To make money? To move on the rankings? Cuz they want to fight? Are you dumb?

[@user-hd5ee2rc6g]

This guy is so nice and soft spoken outside of the octagon but such a beast and killer inside of the octagon.

[@mstella341]

Damnit this guy got me again! You will be on something much bigger than that billboard my friend! And we all cant wait to see it, u the man khalil!

[@trikytrik696969]

I want to disagree but I actually think I’d be keen to watch that fight vs Alex 👀

[@JoshuaSmith-no9mn]

Alex chins him in under 1 minute

[@DrAdair1]

​​@@JoshuaSmith-no9mnAlex got knocked out by Izzy.. Roundtree would kill Alex..

[@JoshuaSmith-no9mn]

@@DrAdair1 Izzy got knocked out twice by Alex and beat on points, Strickland the world champ got knocked out by Alex in under a round, Jiri got knocked out in the second round. Alex would absolutely murder Rountree you cannot be serious. 😂

[@GK-gr2mx]

@@DrAdair1a middleweight hasn’t been hurt at all at lhw

[@MarkBerenger]

@@JoshuaSmith-no9mn you dont know the fight game, you're one of those people who read numbers and then have hypothetical fights in your head. If you think pereira is so much better than izzy, how did he get knocked out? Your formula of "he beat so and so, therefore he'd beat all the guys so and so has beat" is not based in reality and if you look at people's records, it gets debunked very quick lol. I can tell you dont train or have any fight experience so you dont know what you're talking about. Keep watching MMA, you'll get it!

[@komeseetv5843]

Well done Rountree. Been following your growth from the beginning. You did it bro.

[@Burn_Disney_Burn]

Ive watched u since the ultimate fighter, always support you bro ❤

[@MrJol420]

5:18 .. this.. why didn't smith use his ground game ?? He's good at bjj and wrestling. I think Anthony needs a new team and a full camp, he can't be having boxing/kickboxing matches all the time fr.

[@GeekofMordor]

People forget this is the guy who knocked out Gokhan Saki

[@matthewthompson7012]

Glad to see Smith do one thing right, made Khalil experience joy 😂😂😂

[@JM-rp9qf]

You had all these options and you chose to comment THIS?! Super lame

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, MMA JUNKIE

[@ahokdaccord2910]

Khalil is a nice guy

[@crisstryna_mma1622]

Class act was a exceptional fight by both guys.

[@jefflinnell8492]

That's a good man right there .hes come a long way

[@Freemasonshair]

Hop in to fight Rakic, then you’re undeniable.

[@bulletproofboulevard]

Jiri

[@tyestrong5661]

What a great human

[@JD-hf6wb]

Half of the ufc champs right now are named Alex

[@MP-cc5rv]

"Always call for a fight that you can get. Otherwise the perception of power is lost." -Uncle Chael

[@ahwinds9256]

Humble.

[@tinossecretlever6795]

I'd love to see Khalil vs Alex. However, the let him beat a top 5 of something first. But if the UFC announces the fight I'll just kick back with my popcorn and watch the violence unfold, ain't complaining

[@PoppinMoppin]

I totally agree! Damn ive missed those striking exchanges and thats why mw+ is so much more exciting! And im 4 sure one of those guys who would absolutely love 2 see khalil against the top 3 - jiri, jamahal, pereira. I love these exciting stand up exchanges of 2 warriors and prefer less crouch sniffing. Yes its mixed martial arts but we in the entertainment business here - give what the fans want!

[@Redw0lf911]

Give him Rakic or the winner of Magomed vs Walker 2

[@marcusaurelius841]

Yep

[@Marvin-ut4xs]

He should stay away from walker

[@MoeMoe-jr7gj]

Khalil really living up to his name winning in rountree

[@Imcryptoknight]

😂

[@inovancostin7777]

Smith deserve a title shot after this tko loss .

[@osmarglez6205]

This más Is an inspirationn, wears His HEART on hes sleve. Más respect. You have a lot of fans Rountree, dont forget It. Keep going forward

[@Davpache81]

This dude is the most balanced fighter I've seen in a long while... mentally

[@brusombear3823]

100% Khalil should have title fight dude is killing everyone just KO'd Lionheart even Jon Jones couldnt finish Lionheart and he had 5 rounds. If Hill is next for shot Roundtree either need to sit out or fight Jiri.

[@darkclaw1462]

Jones didn't finish Lionheart because he didn't want to. Not because he couldn't. Khalils a beast though.

[@MdeeG3]

I think Khalil is one of my favorite fighters. Perfectly articulated in my eyes! Hope he completes the dream.

[@user-el9gx3in3h]

Nickname should be Rountree The Trunk! What a UFC stud!

[@tcbowen12]

Man, Khalil is a whirlwind of emotiond and i can def relate to that. I cant imagine just how much of a swing it is in profession though.

[@boyntonpaek8743]

Such a good person for the sport. All class.

[@ryanguilfoile2746]

Great post fight

[@thedutch4141]

you the man khalil been a fan for a while

[@EZ-qk6fx]

Does Khalil deserve the title shot? Absolutely not. But it would probably be the most exciting fight in the division. Besides maybe Johnny walker and Alex

[@frankymagana001]

Bring it home Khalil!

[@Hanashi_mma]

Great win. Very calculated timing in his striking !!

[@marka7532]

I know you don’t know me but I am fan from Texas and I cheer for you man and always root for you , keep grinding man

[@LeonardTaylor700]

Bisping was crying That’s a real friend

[@J.CagleMMA]

How could you not like this guy. Great fight

[@goldengilmaky6788]

Anything can happen in this fight business. You must only be ready for an opportunity that might or could pop up.

[@a.s27]

arguing he needs more wins when the champ got a title shot after 1 split decision snoozer againt jan.

[@coffeeyouu]

Damn great story till then my friend LETS FKN GO🐉

[@supawanvaitayakul1347]

Title fight after beating Anthony Smith on ten days' notice? Khalil, stop it. Stop it.

[@Dearsons]

Thank you

[@trumpisgod2535]

While I kind of agree I also think if Izzy won’t fight Alex for the LHW title soon then not many fights makes sense. Alex beat Jan,Jiri, rakic is inconsistent and needs a win after being out. Johnny walker and Ankalev are booked against each other already. Jamal hill is dealing with recovery from surgery and trying to beat assault charges. Khalil Vs Alex would be amazing striking battle which we as fans love. Make Khalil vs Alex are ufc 300

[@dennismijac8297]

Humble guy🎈

[@DB-qx7dr]

Hard to not like this guy, A genuine soul He is literally the polar opposite to his personality inside the cage!!!! The iron fist in the velvet glove

[@ApexPunisherX]

What are you talking about? He asked for a title shot that he doesn't deserve and lied about fans wanting it. It's easy to dislike him.

[@phalanger1]

My man gotta be on some good drugs to think he gets Alex next lol

[@5t0aty]

Fuck I love this guys emotion. 99% of us men don't dare to show it. Respect ❤

[@marinbah2401]

You did it champ, you did it.

[@Skipjj]

Champ means champion

[@lordofthebeltsthereturnoft1127]

This guy is amazing, always a fan.

[@markdyer2574]

It's a good thing for Khalil sake that he never attacked Anthony Smiths family.

[@SHOTTA3xD]

Ufc 301 Alex Pereira(c) vs jamal Hill(1) Jiri Prochazka (2)vs Khalil Rountree(8)

[@merdog3190]

Real man...funny listening to a woman ask and try to understand things men intuitively know and learn through the burden of performance we have.

[@clutchcarabelli8054]

Huge win for mma/ufc

[@endqualifiedimmunity8985]

Dude had me yelling at the TV in the second, what are you looking at? Dude was barely standing and you just stand there doing nothing

[@spencer9488]

I’m sensing a 0% chance of a title shot happening but good win!

[@Jventuring]

Class act. Respect to Khalil

[@ethanrichards6916]

Dudes actually kinda delusional thinking he’s gonna fight Alex now

[@lilT-Ride]

Khalil’s Muay thai vs Alex’s kickboxing would be wild

[@kylesprague4723]

Think this might be the appropriate time to say Shut up Mom 😆 👏👏👏

[@dontbetowel]

Stoked on that win ! Big ko

[@battlecagepodcast]

I’m not the one to call for fighters to stop fighting but at this point, Smith should strong consider it.

[@gogogogic6916]

Bro nice try to get easier/faster way to the title shot, but just stop..., first nobody talks about you vs Peirera, secondly go and try to get W against someone in top five and then maybe you can call your shot...

[@HoorayMeee]

😂 let me mansplain it to you. Jamahal, Jiri, Jan are injured. Ankalaev and Walker are set to rematch in January. He just knocked out #8, who is tough as nails. That leaves Rakic in the top five, besides the champ. Now tell me why he should bother calling Rakic out? He’s right to shoot his shot for the big money fight. Go back to watching Power Slap.

[@dzejdzek9063]

​@@HoorayMeeeLol..., so listen up khali fan boy..., even if whole division exept Peirera was injured the guy is not deserving title shot..., now go and suuk khali's D

[@dzejdzek9063]

​@@HoorayMeeeLol..., so listen up khali fan boy..., even if whole division exept Peirera was injured the guy is not deserving title shot..., now go and cry harder

[@aeroevans9987]

​@@dzejdzek9063He's about one fight away. He is right to put his name out there now.

[@dzejdzek9063]

@@aeroevans9987 No he isn't..., he was gifted against Jacoby he defeated Dakus who have before the fight with him 3 consecutive losses so beside Smith(who is not nearly good like 3 years ago) he didn't beat anybody in higher echelon..., so if that one fight isn't a really dominate win someone like Ankalaev he doesn't deserve anything..., Walker, Rakić, Jan, even if Jiri got next one they all are way above him...

[@deezn2856]

KHALIL VS ANKALAEV NEEDS TO BE NEXT

[@HoorayMeee]

Ankalaev vs Walker rematch is scheduled for January…

[@deezn2856]

@@HoorayMeee yeah exactly then after that fight khalil v ankalaev around summer. Timeline fits because they are only a month apart he fights next month

[@deezn2856]

@@HoorayMeee you acting like khalil needs to fight in February or March he most likely is going to fight around April or may

[@MrRobjs83]

Khalil vs Alonzo Menefield * or rematch with Dustin Jacoby

[@deezn2856]

@@MrRobjs83 or khalil vs azamat murzakanov

[@MichaelOverEasy]

give this man a title fight!

[@themonsterbaby]

Give him Jan. I wanna see him get a big fight. He delivered last night.

[@theironforce3000]

Dude is good For sure. But challenging for Alex, the current champ is too high up the ladder. A Rakic or Jan B. Polish power would be a good one in meantime.

[@ronaldwilliams9635]

He Pearl River Plunged that nigga🔥 Go Rountree

[@aidanbernard5400]

run khalil vs jiri

[@IsenathiDyantyi]

Congrats Rountree give Him Kyplov or Spann next!!

[@jimrenteria4646]

Great guy.

[@jordanrogers8457]

What a legend. Such a good dude….. we are with you Khalil… go get that strap!

[@ApexPunisherX]

@jordanrogers8457 He's not a legend though and he's not getting the strap. He's nowhere near a title shot in fact. Not hating, just telling truth. He seems out-of-touch. Fans aren't asking for him vs Alex and even if they were he hasn't earned a title shot just reaching the top 10. Let's not forget who he's lost to already.

[@yamabushiwarrior996]

I have been saying all week this was a bad style match up for Anthony Smith. That being said I really like Khalil Roundtree Jr. I was sad that Ion Cuţelaba got the best of him in their match up since Khalil was on the Up & Up. Ion brought that to a haul. I think he has a punchers chance against Alex but he needs a Mike Tyson like defensive equivalent against Perreira's leg kicks and his left hand.

[@shazbazzy]

Huge fan of this dude now

[@lukejohnston8725]

We need title fights for 300 so if hill isn’t ready the title fight makes sense

[@TedlaEKHAN]

Give him a shot. He is a breathe of fresh air in an otherwise bland LHW division (besides Pereira).

[@chef8077]

Hes a really good person im happy for him! Much respect to both him and Smith they are both warriors!

[@InfoSuperSource]

I agree. Seems like a very nice person that just enjoys fighting.

[@indiosurfcapoeira1986]

Chama 🔥💯% UFC 2024 mortal kombat 😅 só emoção

[@maxxpremium]

Class act

[@thatdawghouse]

This guy can go all the way, Roundtree,"GROVENOR" ..Do the job

[@feelsgoodman420]

Cant believe smith got viciously k/o'd by the nicest guy in the division 😂

[@dtruth5769]

Cool dude!

[@pwh7925]

I became a Khalil Roundtree fan after watching this interview button 👇🏼

[@herfjones3]

Krylov would be a great next fight for Roundtree. K is on a three fight win streak and hasn’t fought since March

[@colbylandwehr3334]

This guy vs poatan is as 50/50 as it gets

[@meadaiv8835]

Dude I love Khalil roundtree I made fun of him the first time I saw him be all emotional but dudes a real 1

[@KHN.RVA.28]

Every active fighter that you see almost weekly on these fight shows as commentators need to stop and get back to only training. 2 most notable are Kamaru and Anthony. Both are .500 fighters in their last few fights now. They both had no business losing to who theyve lost too. Well maybe Roundtree homie is a beast.

[@J.CagleMMA]

The fight really felt like Khalil could have ended it whenever he wanted to.

[@herfjones3]

No shot they give him a title fight he need to beat one of the big dogs in the top 5 first. Like how Periera beat Jan. Something like that

[@RogerERodriguez1k]

I was hoping smith would be finished far more viciously.