When people got to know about Alex Pereira versus Khalil Rountree Jr., they were a bit surprised. This includes Robert Whittaker, who confessed, “I don’t know where the fight came out of.” After all, Rountree is ranked #8 in the light heavyweight division and there are other fighters who could have challenged ‘Poatan‘. Regardless, Whittaker believes it is going to be a hell of a fight.

“That’s gonna be a sick kickboxing fight, man. That’s what we are getting. We’re getting a kickboxing fight with small gloves. I’m all for it. I’m all for it. I don’t know which side I would take, honestly. I think it has to lean towards Pereira. But I can’t say Khalil can’t get it done,” shared ‘The Reaper’.

Well, Whittaker’s thoughts remind us of Pereira’s Glory Kickboxing days. Did you know that in 2019, he made history by becoming the first fighter to win two belts in different weight classes simultaneously? He achieved this after winning the vacant interim light-heavyweight championship. Eventually, he had a 33-7 record before ultimately switching to MMA.

On the other hand, Rountree is a vicious striker with deadly KO power. No doubt, Whittaker is excited about this fight. 

During the 50th episode of the MMA Arcade podcast, Whittaker further said, “Khalil is dangerous; Especially when he is on, I feel like he is a bit of a hot and cold sort of fellow. But when he’s on, he looks so dangerous.” But things don’t end here. ‘The War Horse’ himself shared his approach to the fight. 

Khalil Rountree Jr. has never attempted a takedown in the UFC and he wants to keep things that way. On Aug. 30, he had a conversation with Michael Bisping and shared, “I literally have no intentions on shooting any takedowns or trying to take what people would consider the easy route, you know… Honestly, I want to put on a fight to remember… This is a fight that I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Well, he most definitely will commemorate it. This will be his very first title fight in the UFC. And this is a big reason why the title contender isn’t willing to take any chances or risks.

Khalil Rountree Jr. will switch coaches if forced to change his approach against Pereira!

In his discussion with Bisping, Khalil Rountree was asked about a hypothetical situation where his coach said, “Let’s grab that single leg. We saw the takedown defense and grappling against Israel Adesanya; maybe it wasn’t best, so let’s expose that as well.”

Rountree Jr. candidly replied, “If it were my coach, I’d say maybe I need to look into getting another coach.”

Bisping was shocked by the firm answer, and Rountree said that he was not a wrestler. Well, he doesn’t have a point because no one really expects either of the fighters to attempt a takedown. BUT!

Are we forgetting Pereira and Adesanya’s first fight? Both the fighters had a kickboxing background and were on their feet for major parts of the fight. But in round 2, the Brazilian fighter attempted a successful takedown. The round quickly finished, and Adesanya didn’t have to grapple. But the point here is that Alex Pereira is willing to change strategies in order to win.

So Khalil Rountree will have to be ready with his takedown defense if he wants that belt. 

Do you think Khalil Rountree will be able to defeat the light heavyweight champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.