Khalil Rountree

The War Horse

USA

Overwhelmed in quest for UFC gold
Light HeavyweightUFC
October 5, 2024
Rountree came up short in his quest for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, falling to Alex Pereira via TKO (punches) at 4:32 of Round 4 at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.
ANALYSIS
Entering as a +360 underdog, Rountree fought as well as could be expected. He was the better fighter for the first 10 minutes, mainly because he was able to avoid Pereira's power shots. Yet, Khalil visibly and significantly gassed out as the fight progressed. His movements became more labored, and he absorbed far too much punishment beginning late in Round 3. It all fell apart in Round 4. Alex unloaded with big blow after big blow, and Rountree had no answer. In Khaili's defense, he absorbed dozens and dozens of blows that would have put away any mere mortal. Referee Marc Goddard finally pulled the plug with 28 seconds remaining in the frame. The 34-year-old Rountree seemed to be on the way out of the UFC after losing three of four fights from November 2018 to January 2021. The fact he even competed for a title with the company is remarkable, and he put forth a worthy showing in the process -- one which merited a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus when it was all said and done.
Read More News
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Khalil Rountree See More
DraftKings MMA: UFC Tampa DFS Preview
3 days ago
UFC Tampa takes place Saturday, so it's time to break down the top fights, plus make DFS picks and predictions for the key matchups on the card.
MMA Expert Picks: UFC 307 Main Card
70 days ago
The UFC 307 expert picks are officially in. Check out how the RotoWire team of MMA contributors envisions every fight going down on Saturday's pay-per-view card.
Fight IQ: UFC 307 Preview, Pereira vs. Rountree
71 days ago
Can Alex Pereira take another step toward all-time greatness? Can Raquel Pennington continue to build her championship legacy? Tune in to Fight IQ for answers to these questions and more.
More Fantasy News
Slated for headlining bout
Light HeavyweightUFC
August 16, 2024
Rountree will take on Alex Pereira for the Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5, Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Rountree will look to extend his wining streak that dates back to 2021. He's bested five straight opponents, most recently topping Anthony Smith in the third round of a December 2023 showdown. Complicating this matter is the fact that Rountree recently had his temporary suspension for a USADA violation extended by the Nevada Athletic Commission, but it sounds like he's in the clear now if the promotion is comfortable enough to schedule this title fight. Pereira, the current champion, is also riding a winning streak that includes consecutive title defenses. This is a bit of puzzling matchmaking, and expect Rountree to enter this fight as a massive betting underdog.
Temporary suspension extended
Light HeavyweightUFC
July 30, 2024
Rountree had his temporary suspension extended by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Tuesday, Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Rountree was removed from UFC 303 due to a positive test for a banned substance that came from a supplement service and was initially handed a two-month suspension, but that will be extended until a formal disciplinary hearing (or other type of conclusion) can be reached. Consider Rountree to be out indefinitely until further news on the issue surfaces.
Receives two-month suspension
Light HeavyweightUFC
May 22, 2024
Rountree accepted a two-month suspension Wednesday for his violation of UFC's anti-doping policy, Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Rountree announced Monday that he would not be competing in UFC 303 due to his accidental consumption of a substance containing steroid hormones. The light heavyweight was upfront about his use of the supplement and compliant with UFC, which likely contributed to his manageable suspension. It is also noted that he could face additional sanctions from the Nevada Commission, though information about these has not been reported yet.
Out of UFC 303 bout
Light HeavyweightUFC
May 20, 2024
Rountree disclosed via his personal Instagram account that he would not be competing at UFC 303 due to accidentally consuming a banned substance.
ANALYSIS
Rountree had been using a supplement service that inadvertently provided him with a blended supplement containing the substance DHEA, a prohibited endrogenous steroid hormone precursor that's sold over the counter in many places. Rountree has been up front with the UFC's regulating bodies about his unintentional consumption of the substance, but it still appears his June 29 fight is off, and Jamahal Hill will be in search of a new opponent. If any suspension is handed down to Rountree, it will likely be short/reduced given the circumstances.
Scheduled against ex-champion
Light HeavyweightUFC
April 24, 2024
Rountree is scheduled to compete against Jamahal Hill in a light heavyweight fight at UFC 303 in Paradise on June 29, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Rountree has been on a roll since late-2021, having finished four of his last five opponents. Up next is Hill, a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion but one making a quick turnaround after losing his title fight via knockout to Alex Pereira at UFC 300. By defeating Hill, Rountree definitely becomes in the running for a championship match.