October 6, 2024 5:45 pm ET
Khalil Rountree continues to deal with his UFC 307 defeat with class.
Though Rountree (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) gave an interview within the cage Saturday at Delta Middle in Salt Lake Metropolis, as he almost bled throughout commentator Joe Rogan, he didn’t put up something on social media till Sunday.
In a prolonged written assertion, Rountree thanked Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) for the extreme back-and-forth battle their shared collectively and indicated he found so much about himself over the course of the battle.
“I didn’t win the title however I grew final night time,” Rountree wrote on Instagram. “@alexpoatanpereira thanks for serving to me see that I’m able to tackle the world. You confirmed wonderful talent, you introduced out a model of me that I wanted to expertise. You’re the champ for a cause, a lot respect. However I now know what I’m able to.”
Rountree misplaced his first UFC title battle by fourth-round TKO, however had robust moments within the first two rounds regardless of his standing as a heavy betting underdog. He was praised throughout social media by followers for his coronary heart, braveness and moments of success within the battle. “#saltlakecity you guys had been wonderful and gave me such a memorable expertise,” Rountree continued. “I recognize all the optimistic messages from everybody all over the world. @danawhite @espn @espnmma and the complete @ufc workers, thanks for giving me a house, a spot to have objective and offering me with challenges to beat. Huge because of my spouse @miakang, my household (Donny, Dave, P, all of my uncles and aunts, The Pavlica’s, the Ramseys, Everybody) to your unconditional assist. Brazil 🇧🇷 you guys have a powerful champion, be proud.
“I’ll take time to heal from this, I’ll be again even higher, it’s inevitable. I’m grateful. By no means surrender on your self, at all times battle arduous, uplift your communities and discover methods to take advantage of out of life. @deltacenter thanks for internet hosting us. #ufc307 was an evening to recollect.”
Rountree, 34, had received 5 fights in a row to earn his title shot. Given the harm (some of it very visible) sustained Saturday, it’s unclear when he’ll return. Each time he does, Rountree will nearly definitely achieve this with a following.
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