When did Khalil Rountree join UFC? Here’s how ‘The War Horse’ started in Dana White’s apex MMA organisation
Khalil Rountree Jr. will face reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Oct. 5. Ahead of his first title fight, we explore how 'The War Horse' began his journey in the premier MMA organization.
First things first, the 34-year-old's upbringing was marred with tragedy. At an age of 2, his father was killed in an attempted robbery while working as a tour manager for a Philadelphia band.
The American's foray into MMA in 2011 started just a year after he commenced training. He tasted success in the amateur circuit with an impressive record of 5-1. Soon he transitioned to a full-time career, joining the California-based promotion, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, where he scored a couple of TKOs and a couple of decision victories.
'The War Horse' was picked up as a competitor at 'The Ultimate Fighter' season 23, hosted by Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha. Rountree Jr. didn't quite fare well in the TUF, as he could only clinch one victory, losing to three tough fighters. However, the Californian showed enough talent and grit to earn a UFC contract.
After joining the apex MMA organization, the Syndicate MMA pupil quickly found his footing as he engaged in one thrilling contest after another. After losing his debut bout against Tyson Pedro at UFC Fight Night 101 in 2016, his next two octagon outings didn't even see the end of round 1, as he effortlessly demolished Daniel Jolly and Paul Craig in 2017.
After his fight with Gokhan Saki at UFC 226, Rountree Jr. moved to Thailand to enhance his Muay Thai skills. It's not just his martial aptitude that improved during his time in Thailand, as 'The War Horse' has previously declared that he returned to the States as a better man.
Following his return, Rountree Jr. seemingly improved as his combinations looked crispier and were landing with more authority.
The 34-year-old has brutally finished his last two opponents, former title challenger Anthony Smith and former heavyweight Chris Daukaus. He has scaled the divisional ranks and would be entering the octagon for a shot at dethroning the champion and clinching the elusive gold.
In his 14 UFC fights, 'The War Horse' has only gone to the judges three times. Maybe his never-say-die attitude has caught the attention of the matchmakers, finally awarding the striking savant a title shot against decorated kickboxer and two-division UFC champion Pereira.
The potential of the fight being a barnburner is astonishingly high, especially after 'The War Horse' claimed he's not going to take 'Poatan' down, indicating the fans can expect a fiery brawl at the main event of UFC 307 on Oct. 5.
Khalil Rountree Jr.'s stay in Thailand changed his outlook on life
Khalil Rountree Jr. is a tough nut to crack in the octagon, but outside, the 34-year-old can often be heard divulging personal anecdotes that many cage fighters might not be comfortable sharing.'The War Horse' recently revealed how his time in Thailand not only improved his fighting style but also shaped his perspective on life.
Sitting with Shakiel Majhouri of CBS Sports, Rountree Jr. said:
“That decision really came from a level of like chasing happiness. I was living in Thailand at that time, I had everything I felt like I needed there. It gave me this perspective, in a way that, like, life could be a more simple and I didn’t really need all of things that, at that time, I felt I needed. Big house, and all these things that, kinda in my mind, I was working toward, and living in Thailand changed that perspective for me.”
Check out Khalil Rountree Jr. comments below (11:18):