UFC’s latest booking of Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Alex Pereira has got everyone in the MMA community talking. Khalil, who currently ranks #8 in the light heavyweight division, has got a title shot against Pereira at UFC 307. UFC CEO Dana White’s decision has sparked a huge controversy. Even former champion Jan Blachowicz criticized the decision and accused the UFC of protecting Poatan. However, Khalil Rountree Jr. seems unfazed about all this criticism. He said, “They give me the call, I take it.”
Rountree feels grateful for the opportunity
“The War Horse” revealed that he didn’t expect that the call would change everything, as the fighter was struggling through a difficult day and suddenly got a surprise from Hunter Campbell. “I was having a bad day and he was like, ‘Hey, I’ll make your day better, we have got this opportunity for you to fight Alex in October,” said Khalil while revealing the conversation. He then accepted the fight without hesitating, as this is the fight he wanted and was calling for. “I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m grateful,” said Khalil. However, the same level of enthusiasm was not seen from many fans and fighters as they questioned this matchup.
Rountree is currently suspended for accidentally ingesting a banned substance. Plus, he is ranked 8th in the division, which has led to huge criticism because of him getting the title shot. But Khalil is not affected by this and said, “I understand people are upset. Whatever. It’s not my problem. It’s out of my control. They give me the call – Ok, I take it. Let them deal with their own problems.”
He further questioned the loyalty of his critics and said, “Whatever fans are not happy about this, I couldn’t even call them true fans if you are not happy about this matchup.” Despite all this, Rountree promises an exciting fight and is focused on preparing for the fight.
Former champion lashed out at UFC
Jan Blachowicz openly questioned this matchup made by the UFC and said, “Why did they choose Rountree? Why not me or Ankalaev?
The Polish fighter believes that Alex Pereira is getting special treatment from the promotion as they are not giving him tougher opponents. Blachowicz is particularly disappointed with the decision to pit Magomed Ankalaev with Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 instead of giving the “Russian Terror” title shot.
Jan Blachowicz didn’t mince words on social media and said, “With all due respect to Khalil, there are at least two highly ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan. He doesn’t need special protection.”
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