This past Saturday, Khalil Rountree (13-6, 1 NC) faced Alex Pereira (12-2) for the Light Heavyweight Championship in the main event of UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In round 4, Pereira defeated Rountree by TKO to retain the title. This was Rountree’s first loss in three years.
Khalil Rountree issued the following statement on Instagram:
“I didn’t win the title but I grew last night. Alex Pereira thanks for helping me see that I’m ready to take on the world. You showed amazing skill, you brought out a version of me that I needed to experience. You’re the champ for a reason, much respect. But I now know what I am capable of. #saltlakecity you guys were amazing and gave me such a memorable experience. I appreciate all of the positive messages from everyone around the world. Dana White @espn @espnmma and the entire UFC staff, thanks for giving me a home, a place to have purpose and providing me with challenges to overcome. Big thanks to my wife Mia Kang, my family (Donny, Dave, P, all of my uncles and aunts, The Pavlica’s, the Ramseys, Everyone) for your unconditional support. Brazil 🇧🇷 you guys have a strong champion, be proud. I will take time to heal from this, I’ll be back even better, it’s inevitable. I’m grateful. Never give up on yourself, always fight hard, uplift your communities and find ways to make the most out of life. Delta Center thanks for hosting us. #ufc307 was a night to remember.”