Khalil Rountree talks extremely painful surgery, valiant effort in loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 307

UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree got back to Las Vegas on Sunday after his brawl with champion Alex Pereira Saturday in the main event of UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and on Monday, had surgery to repair a deviated septum.
Rountree put up a spirited effort against one of the greatest MMA fighters of his generation, but fell short and was stopped in the fourth.
But Rountree acquitted himself unbelievably well, so much so that the crowd stood as one and chanted his name in unison after the fight.
Rountree talks about the fight, the injury he suffered in sparring before it happened and what his plans are for a return. He expects to be back early next year and wouldn't mind reprising a canceled fight he'd had scheduled with former champion Jamahal Hill.
Please like this video and subscribe to this channel, as it is really helpful to me. And if you want more content on combat sports, including columns, features and betting analysis, as well as merchandise, go to my site at keviniole.com.
#ufc307 #brawl #khalilrountree #alexpereira #ufc #mma #mmafighter #slugfest

[@Nestor-y5i]

TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - 0:44 Intro 1:00 - 2:28 Love and support from fans 2:30 - 4:20 Damage and Injuries 4:30 - 5:40 Expectations before fight 5:40 - 6:53 Pre fight Cut 6:54 - 8:24 Preparation for Alex 8:25 - 9:05 Alex’s Power 9:44 - 10:48 Alex’s Calf kicks 10:49 - 12:20 Return Date 12:30 - 13:30 Next Opponent

[@r.r.7497]

Thanks

[@danilogutierrez3586]

Much Respect For Khalil.. New Fan ❤

[@TheeAbrahamLincoln]

I’m atheist but yur doing gods work brother!

[@d.Boi-ii]

​@@TheeAbrahamLincoln😂

[@Hamerparsa]

That fight didn’t felt like watching ufc . It felt like watching mortal kombat

[@renelvital]

No joke.

[@Chris-sv8ty]

That staredown made me fucking nervouse lol

[@agabello]

TEST YOUR MIGHT

[@sw5166]

It did, Alex P, is like the final boss in a game :)

[@jaybrack7272]

Relax.

[@MustObeyTheRules]

Most fighters go into hiding after taking damage like that. He’s already doing interviews. He’s a wild man 😂

[@jt-el8540]

Seriously lol dudes a great fighter to watch..plus he's completely humble and honest about the fight. His fight IQ is high. He'll be a problem if Alex goes to Heavyweight.

[@Lbcyoung]

He has nothing to be ashamed of.

[@JMEG.WAP-IA]

There's nothing to hide from after that performance

[@Herman727Jr]

Because he knew the outcome he just wanted the challenge

[@thestandardbarber1708]

I wish we could see more of this. I've always wondered what fighters look like after a fight. Plus, I've been thinking about getting a septoplasty surgery. This has me second guessing it😂

[@Jakethemuss35]

What a legend. Humble, honest and no excuses. Speedy recovery bro

[@jamesharty9938]

@@Jakethemuss35 that's what we as fans love no excuses he was the better man that night unlike some fighters JAMAHAL Hill, cough cough. He should of never went that route. He lost so many fans be graceful in defeat. Lose and learn, not lose and make excuses.

[@frankthetank819]

Agreed man this guy is a warrior ❤

[@gregoryjones8440]

@jamesharty9938 couldn’t have said it any better. Khalil did his thing and I expect more to come from the guy

[@jaybrack7272]

“Legend” is tough. Term is used too loosely nowadays.

[@Jakethemuss35]

@@jaybrack7272 have a cry mate

[@justinlafrance6732]

Khalil stock goes up. Fan base goes up. I can only imagine his contract goes up too! What a stud!

[@markkoricsanszki]

Exactly. Cant wait for the return.

[@joerenner8334]

His contract won't go up. The mob runs it.

[@jake-qn3tl]

No it doesn't. He took a ton of damage and didn't win the title. It doesn't work that way in mma

[@ConorKhabibBrunson]

He’s a cultist

[@AussieDadNoob]

​@jake-qn3tl the ufc drives off popularity what are you talking about. They fast track anyone who brings the fans hahaha.

[@oscar27ization]

Khalil is the definition of a real man. No gas lighting no ego just a good human being

[@Joshstix95]

Khalil fights like how Sean Strickland talks

[@double383]

good human being (proceeds to kick a man to the shadow realm while he is down)

[@Tverse3]

This what strickland thinks he is 😂

[@itsswayy5853]

@@double383it’s a fight and a legal move.

[@Manuel-oe4gv]

@@Tverse3 Strickland is a freaking Psychopath

[@gda2106]

Khalil’s post-fight honesty and analysis is incredibly rare. Whatta G, man, seriously. Such a stand up-guy

[@walterreed5849]

if only hill could learn from him

[@Fony_turgeson]

how is this man so humble? he said nothing surprised him about the fight...acts like he won and does not admit defeat..and that he took huge damage...hes delusional

[@Thezapatabrandpodcast]

What a WARRIOR!!!!!! Incredible!!!! Big fan now!

[@yoloswagali2646]

What a class act.

[@UforoMauriceUko9813]

He definitely won despite the loss. True Champ 🏆.

[@Fony_turgeson]

def not he lost bad how is this man so humble? he said nothing surprised him about the fight...acts like he won and does not admit defeat..and that he took huge damage...hes delusional

[@Ritters214]

@@Fony_turgesonliterally everyone who watched that fight thought he put up a great performance, stop being a sad hater

[@compass3309]

​@@Fony_turgeson You dint understand nothing about what he said

[@Fony_turgeson]

@@compass3309 yall just love the kcalb man. Admit it

[@daaaan1976]

This bloke is what every MMA athlete should aspire to be. Truly inspirational human being

[@dunneufc]

Khalil is a role model. I've been through some struggles myself and the way he speaks with confidence and clarity, is amazing to watch. Thanks for the interview!

[@frankthetank819]

I agree ❤❤❤

[@JokerzGallery]

Respect to Khalil. Dude is a savage. That fight was so good and close enough that if he has a big win next fight, he might get a rematch. The ufc knows that rematch would sell ppvs and tix

[@chrisanthimou911]

Thanks for this, Kev! And of course, thank you for everything, Khalil!!

[@luishenriquedesantana3589]

Congratulations, mr Rountree. What a fight! Greetings from Brazil.

[@sohambubka05]

Khalil you're a warrior brother, heal up and come back stronger 🙏🏼💪🏼

[@mauriciodenardipeterlevitz3694]

Khalil got the respect of the whole world . What a heart. What a great champ he is. I am from Brazil and I can tell everybody here is going to cheer for him from now on . Vamos Khalil ! Khalil campeão.

[@Luke_cockhold]

The champion has a name and it's Khalil Oliveira

[@Ninad-zp2fv]

Man Khalil is setting himself up perfectly to slip into Alex’s spot when he leaves. A real man, being honest about the cardio and telling everyone it was the jab. That’s how a real man loses and wins at the same time. Same reason we love Alex, he takes his losses like a true man. We love Khalil!

[@RIZONMUSIC]

wow. this has to be a first. respect man.

[@mcamus01]

Khalil, I was not a fan but my friend you earned it!! Now a super fan of yours!!!

[@xelementzgaming7171]

Wow… he’s definitely a humble person… no excuses and giving credit to Alex on his heavy labs… Izzy would’ve said “it was the altitude and my cardio” 😂😂😂

[@HuyLe-wo3mb]

Lol can’t be more true

[@anabeatr1x]

😭😭😭

[@nathanielkeane8462]

“I slipped, my leg went dead, I was NEVER rocked”

[@gallant92]

Izzy always gave Alex Credit. There is a whole podcast after his first lost on flagrant where he did.

[@michaelsmyth5877]

To put on a performance like that as a LHW at altitude is crazy, all heart

[@ElPoopacabra1]

I watched the whole fight live rooting for Pereira. I'm pretty sure this is the most nervous I have been as an Alex fan that he might lose, so much so that I was holding my breath throughout long portions of the fight. Both men fought incredibly and really deserve recognition for it. The main event saved 307. No disrespect to the undercard, Khalil and Alex just stole the show and put on a performance fans will never forget. Prayers 4 Khalil, I hope he can recover quickly and he continues to work like he has been. Saturday wasn't his day, but he is a top 5 LHW easily and in that respect he really cemented his place on Saturday. Keep up the good work and there's likely going to be more title opportunities in his future.

[@reuben8648]

Jan fight was way more nerve racking personally.

[@AirLancer]

Idk, Bautista should get some disrespect fighting (or rather, not fighting) the way he did.

[@Mr-E.]

@@AirLancer I compare it to the TJ Dillashaw vs Sandhagen fight, where Sandhagen should have won, but Dillashaw just tried to control him with no real damage and ended up winning.

[@AirLancer]

@@Mr-E. There definitely needs to be some changes to the rules. When there's a glaring flaw in the ruleset that allows fighters to engage in styles that are just harmful to the sport, the rules need to change, just like how the NBA added the shot clock to stop stalling.

[@Mr-E.]

@@AirLancer Agreed - They should bring back the yellow card from the Pride fighting days. Refs could give you a yellow card for stalling and it actually would take 10% of your winnings or purse.

[@andrestrivino5990]

Kevin with another great interview!

[@justinlafrance6732]

He's been crushing it lately!

[@neighborhoodnes]

HELL YEAH

[@MariusGoV]

Oh man,how respectful he is.thank you Khalil,you won a lot of fans

[@brownmiester]

Respect --- no excuses

[@XxDpunish3rxX]

Im brazilian and Alex fan but i have nothing but respect for Khalil, bros a monster he went there like a warrior and can take a loss hes not like Hill

[@Keithersutherland]

Exactly!

[@jasonstrevels3098]

You are the man Kev ! Khalil your definitely the man too

[@soorajbabu4352]

Respect

[@mariovelasco3706]

Khalil is a beast! He has a bright future in MMA! What a Stud!!

[@dano1307]

Khalil is the man. Thanks for the interview kev

[@jasonlikesjazz]

Stock definitely went up, respect is thru the roof. One of the best title fights in a while. They said you didn’t deserve it and you proved them wrong. Can’t wait to see you fight again

[@Sam-nn8rz]

So much respect for this man.

[@Cantthinkofname-rp3iw]

Gained many fans with that performance absolute warrior

[@marcelotavares1950]

how not to love this guy. true warrior. respect

[@sleepisthecousinofdeath7395]

So honest and respectable

[@brunotartari675]

Khalil is a warrior and a honored man! No excuses, no bs. Just straight forward answers...

[@gurpchirp]

LOVE YOU, KHALIL!!!!!! such a warrior

[@devinx7]

wow what a great competitor makes no excuses, keeps it honest, and showed a great performance definitely must see fighter 👏

[@Jazz2377-r1b]

Big warrior, brasil respect you 🇧🇷♥️

[@tvanza7791]

Kalil is a hell of a dude. Tough, well spoken, gracious, and HUMBLE???? You don't see that in fighters very often these days. He had no excuses, just honest answers. He's def a new favorite guy to watch for me. Thanks Mr. Rountree! What a beast

[@TJ-ut8qg]

Amazing Job Khalil, put on the best performance of your life, one of the best against a current Boss of the UFC and showed yourself you are who you believed you are and more. You Inspired the hell out o me

[@et4920]

Thanks Kevin and Khalil!

[@a13Banger]

What an incredible interview. Excellent work.

[@victorguerra5982]

It’s really cool for a fighter to explain and show the damage so people realize what is actually happening instead of people at home thinking they can handle it! Also he’s dressed like Buzz LightYear 🤣 he’s the man tho

[@cKxTaLenTs]

Heal up Khalil! Can’t wait to see your next fight I hope you get a pay bump after this performance cuz you deserve it. Your star is definitely shining brighter after showing that heart and coming close

[@Mr.MMA7]

Great interview thanks Kevin, Khalil my brother, you are a warrior man respect.

[@yellowcatyellowcat1426]

Great content as usual. Thx for this Kevin and huge thanks to Khalil for this after this lost and surgery.

[@PowerLine105]

What a warrior! Thanks Kevin

[@renanazevedo9480]

This guy is the most humble fighter I've ever seen in my life.. I'm a huge fan now!!

[@junipersnow1]

Thanks, Khalil

[@mcolabone]

Khalil is a true warrior. That is it....

[@l.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.l]

Khalil should go up in the rankings even though he lost. He put in more work than the last 3 fights of Alex's, and both those guys were former champions. If Khalil keeps this up, I don't see why he couldn't fight for the belt again by mid or toward the end of next year.

[@omegashenron8]

He won't go up rankings but he gets a top 5 guy next most definitely

[@l.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.l]

@omegashenron8 I hope so, and I also hope his chin didn't get heavily eroded from the fight.

[@ESPSJ]

I absolutely LOVE these striking/kickboxing style fights. That is so much better to watch than a grappling against a cage match. The UFC will give Khalil a lot of opportunities because of his heart and fighting style. Great interview Kevin.

[@jamesharty9938]

Congrats Kallil. Great fight, You showed heart.

[@barcaragu]

what a warrior and well spoken dude. I have become a fan now

[@Everyday_ISSUES]

8:46 BRUTALLY honest ❤

[@vhrbndz]

Good interview asking solid questions us fans want to know. This page definitely need more views , keep up the great work

[@KevinIole]

Thanks, appreciate it

[@TJ-ut8qg]

N what a real G to keep it real and give Alex credit for his punches affecting him

[@kratosofspartareal]

Another excellent interview. You can tell Khalil felt respected!

[@Bmorefan]

Kevin deserves 100k subs and views....hes putting in work for a long time and does great interviews and at pressers

[@diegocastano8688]

Congrats Khalil! It is nice to see you well after such fight! :-) Hope to see you soon back at Octagon!

[@The_Gem_Guy]

Finally I come across with a good reporter with decent questions!! Subscribed!

[@RYU583]

Khalil has made me a fan. Will definitely follow him more. Dudes a stud

[@jt-el8540]

You're a beast bro. Great stuff all around.

[@greplink]

Much respect. Definitely gained a new fan in me

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, KEVIN

[@unrealhq1444]

Happy this interview is with kev!

[@unrealhq1444]

What a man khalil is. Absolute respect

[@BananaBreakdown]

Hey Kevin really appreciate you giving Khalil his flowers at the start of was great to hear. Dudes a freaking warrior.

[@mr.tellithowitis106]

Absolute stud. Khalil is a warrior. Wish this guy nothing but success. He’ll definitely beat top 5 in LHW. After that pereira fight they will seem easy.

[@vumsang9746]

Thanks uncle Kevin great interview

[@alstackup]

SICK ASS FIGHT KHALIL IM AN ALEX P FAN NOW A KHALIL FAN YOU WENT CRAZY HOMIE

[@SaintR-G]

Two legends right here.

[@nme_mma]

What a warrior and a good dude!!! Im a fan

[@nukenarwhal7244]

What a honest and humble interview, really appreciated the insight he gave on the jab

[@luzgeldres6464]

What a great human being, a outstanding fighter ❤

[@JacquesGasson]

I was already loving Khalil after listening to a few pre fight interviews last week, but after watching his gutsy performance in the octagon and how he’s conducted himself afterwards I’m now a big fan

[@ralphmadrid6982]

Khalil Rountree is a great human being, and his stock goes up tremendously. He showed heart, courage, and determination. I will always tune into a Khalil fight and am a huge fan. Let's go, Khalil!!!!

[@mqcyoutube1990]

I''m Brazillian and I can say Khalil has earned our respect and personally, my support. What a beautiful performance and fighting spirit.

[@joneconomidis2125]

Periera has that nuclear option. His punches are like sledgehammers

[@mr.tellithowitis106]

Guys built like a fucking treehouse

[@CaptainBuggyTheClown]

One word: WARRIOR

[@levyfialho7596]

Khalil got a new fan here. Great warrior . Chama !

[@thyzeemus]

What a warrior he put up a great fight

[@Aldo-ty9zg]

Thanks for bringing us this Kevin. And thanks Khalil you’re a proper warrior !!

[@alperensengun6832]

This man is just a true class act All love Khalil We wish you a speedy recovery

[@jdvlanka265]

Iole might be my favorite boxing reporter. At least the most honest. Appreciate it

[@KevinIole]

Thankyou

[@Ken-vl4wk]

I wish you a speedy recovery, Khalil! Respect!!!

[@michaelz5561]

My god, Khalil is an absolute warrior. Definitely one of the top dogs at 205 , wishing him a speedy recovery and looking forward to his next fight for sure.

[@IAMDC322]

Bless you brother Roundtree ✊🏼 you’re a warrior in and out of the cage

[@treedrama]

Absolute warrior. Humble, kind, and insightful. Been watching him for a while so seeing his stock rise like this is fantastic!

[@busikheswa1266]

Khalil became a star after to that fight

[@BM-bc6jj]

Great interview too. Tremendously good job Kevin. Well done. Your tone and heart comes across super well.

[@KevinIole]

Thanks so much. Appreciate it

[@rdeh1678]

Khalil showed incredible heart and courage , even in defeat he showed a warriors respect to Alex zero excuses given , a true fighter unlike those who give every excuse in book , I am looking at you Mr Salty Hill.

[@jamesgreen1561]

So happy to see all the love for Khalil. I was a massive fan after watching the JRE episode with him. Just such a humble & down to earth dude who happens to be an absolute savage.

[@Beehive66]

What a legend! I'm glad he is in good spirits. So good to hear his voice.

[@Nestor-y5i]

What a beast

[@BranTheBald]

This dude won at life, he has one hell of a positive mindset, what a warrior

[@Risingtides50]

Was impatiently waiting for more word from Khalil, you’re the man brother. Warrior out here 🔥

[@guilhermezmzm]

Never seen someone takes so many punches from Alex and keep on them feet. Congrats Khalil, and appreciate the honest, a real man.

[@antoniolopez8890]

Kevin is such an amazing interviewer I love how you ask your questions we need more people like you for sure