Khalil Rountree is eyeing a matchup with Alex Pereira and during the UFC Vegas 83 post-fight interview, he expressed his enthusiasm for the potential fight, citing their exciting fighting styles as the reason (via MMAJunkie.
“I don’t think you guys have any record of me calling anyone out,” Rountree said. “But in my mind, knowing that if I beat Anthony Smith, that would get me into the top 10. I know that the way the rankings work and I’m just 12. I know I have to be in the top 10 to even deserve fighting for a title. Say I get No. 10 and not No. 8 where Anthony was. From No. 9, in my opinion and I believe in the fans’ opinion, the most exciting fight would be me vs. Pereira. That’s just what I’ve seen with comments, things like that. After the fight, I was flooded with people tagging me and things.”
Rountree continued to express his readiness to step up and fight for a UFC title if given the opportunity, emphasizing that a potential matchup with Pereira aligns with his desire for dynamic, striking-focused fights.
“I’m like, I think it makes sense for 2 dynamic strikers, powerful strikers. I don’t plan to shoot any takedowns. I don’t think I’ve shot a takedown ever in my career. I don’t think that he’s necessarily going to aim for any takedowns because the guy is a warrior. Then you have 2 explosive, dynamic fighters. Now, me being in the top 10, in my mind, it just makes sense. I’m putting in the work every day and I’m ready for anything. I’m not saying, ‘This is what I want. Give it to me now.’ I think that it would make sense, and that’s kind of where I stand.”
With Rountree entering his prime and showcasing impressive performances, a potential UFC title shot may not be as far-fetched as it seems. If he can maintain his current form, a matchup with Pereira could be on the horizon.
