Khalil Rountree Jr. feels he has reached a new level in his career following a controlled and impressive knockout victory over Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 83, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and expressing pride in his restraint from delivering unnecessary follow-up strikes.
Khalil Rountree Jr. is riding high. His recent victory over Anthony Smith is a testament to his growth.
Saturday was a game-changer for Rountree. In UFC Vegas 83’s co-main event, he delivered a knockout that had fans buzzing. It wasn’t just the finish that got people talking. Rountree’s restraint before the ref stepped in won him extra points.
“I was in the zone,” Rountree shared with Ariel Helwani on *The MMA Hour*. He was hyper-aware, dodging damage and staying connected. His focus was razor-sharp, from the punch’s impact to Smith’s collapse.
Rountree recalls the moment vividly. His hand was raised, ready to strike, but his eyes locked with Smith’s. He paused, considering his next move, until the ref intervened. Relief washed over him.
That shrug? It was Rountree’s silent exhale of gratitude. The fight was over, and he knew it. No further action needed.
The win marked Rountree’s fifth consecutive triumph. It catapulted him to the No. 8 spot in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. Post-fight, he set his sights on champion Alex Pereira.
Fans had already been buzzing about a Rountree-Pereira matchup. Both fighters are strikers at heart, promising an explosive encounter. Rountree emphasized it’s not about deserving a title shot; it’s about giving fans a thrilling fight.
Pereira’s situation aligns with Rountree’s ambitions. The champ clinched the title with a knockout and doesn’t want to sit idle. Rountree sees an opportunity here, a chance to step up and deliver.
“If we’re talking about possibility, I’m all in,” Rountree stated. He believes it’s in the UFC’s hands to make the fight happen. Politics aside, it’s a compelling matchup.
And if the title shot doesn’t materialize just yet? Rountree is okay with that. His latest win has unlocked a new level of confidence. He’s found his stride in the cage and is eager to keep pushing forward.
“This fight was my confirmation,” Rountree reflected. He’s discovered his place in the sport. Now, it’s time to work and capitalize on this newfound clarity.