Khalil Rountree Jr. explains feeling disrespected ahead of Alex Pereira title fight at UFC 307: "What do you not see in me?"
One look at the UFC 307 main event odds shows that an overwhelming majority of bettors favor Alex Pereira to decisively beat Khalil Rountree Jr. at the pay-per-view. Being overlooked by fight fans against Pereira has left 'The War House' feeling a bit disrespected.
Talking to Daniel Cormier ahead of his maiden UFC title clash, the 34-year-old questioned why his naysayers were doubting his chances against the light heavyweight kingpin:
"It's almost like disrespectful. Like What do you not see in me? You know what I mean? Like what am I not doing? Is it because you see me in interviews and I'm myself and I'm a nice guy and this guy who is stone cold is going to stone me? No! I don't know. But it'll be nice to go in there and do this and get some respect."
Check out Khalil Rountree Jr.'s comments below:
Rountree Jr. has been on a dream run recently. The American is on a five-fight win streak, with his latest win coming in a third-round TKO over former title challenger Anthony Smith. Notably, he has claimed that he will fight like he always does when he takes on 'Poatan', and won't be looking for takedowns, unlike some of the Brazilian champion's past opponents.
Check out the full interview below:
Alex Pereira says he has faced better Muay Thai fighters than Khalil Rountree Jr.
Alex Pereira believes he has faced someone who is essentially a better version of Khalil Rountree Jr. during his kickboxing career.
Rountree Jr., primarily known for his striking, is a Muay Thai practitioner who perfected his craft in Thailand. However 'Poatan' asserts that he has faced better Muay Thai fighters than 'The War Horse'.
Speaking to Megan Olivi ahead of the pay-per-view, Pereira said:
"Actually yes [I have faced fighters like Rountree Jr. in the past], I faced Simon Marcus when I won my GLORY belt. [He was a] Muay Thai world champion... Similar style with Khalil, both training in Thailand, but to be honest Simon Marcus is known for being [at] a higher level."
Check out Alex Pereira's comments below (2:15):