Khalil Rountree, despite losing to Alex Pereira, gained respect and fans worldwide, learned valuable lessons, and feels more prepared for future UFC challenges, including his upcoming fight against Jamahal Hill.
Khalil Rountree didn’t snag the UFC light heavyweight title in Salt Lake City against Alex Pereira last October. But he walked away with something arguably more valuable—newfound respect and a legion of fans.
“First time in my life, I never imagined a loss could feel so great,” Rountree shared with MMA Fighting. He didn’t bring the belt home, but the admiration from fans worldwide meant everything to him.
Even now, he’s amazed by how many fans were moved by that fight. “It’s good. It’s very good,” he added, reflecting on the unexpected support.
Rountree is gearing up for his first 2025 fight against former champ Jamahal Hill at UFC Baku. After facing Pereira, a fighter who captured fans’ imaginations, he feels doubly prepared to headline again.
“Multiple moral victories,” Rountree admitted. The experience of a five-round title fight against someone like Pereira was invaluable. It taught him a lot, even though he fell short.
That fight motivated him to keep pushing. He had his ups and downs but displayed immense grit and determination.
In the fourth round, Pereira turned the tide, delivering a brutal beating that left Rountree nearly unrecognizable. Yet, Rountree kept fighting, seizing any chance to strike back.
Facing Hill, another knockout artist, he now knows how far he can push himself when danger looms. “I proved to myself how far I was willing to go,” he explained.
Before it ended, had Pereira not landed that shot, Rountree would’ve kept going, despite the pain. The experience, though harsh, built his character.
“I wasn’t going to give up,” he said. Rising from the emotional and physical toll, he realized going through the fire strengthens you.
It gave him a sense of pride, a personal treasure. “I got this rock of gold,” he mused, something he holds onto for himself alone.