“Suicidal…Depressed Guy”- Emotional Khalil Rountree Jr. Tears Up After Confessing the Real Reason He Asked Dana White for Alex Pereira Fight in Las Vegas

Khalil Rountree Jr. has solidified his position as a potential light heavyweight contender after securing a victory against Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 83. The triumphant moment was truly consequential for Rountree, especially since he won the match in his hometown. With this win, he extends his winning streak and moves one step closer to a light heavyweight title fight against Alex Pereira.

The Las Vegas star had a harsh lifestyle before coming to UFC and he has a dream now. Rountree Jr. wants to win the title in his hometown and bring the belt to Las Vegas. This is one of the reasons why he wants to face Alex Pereira, and it’s why he asked Dana White for a fight against him. In his post-match interview, Rountree Jr. explained why he specifically requested a fight against Pereira.

Khalil Rountree Jr. explains why he wants to win in Las Vegas

Khalil Rountree Jr. is currently on a five-fight winning streak, with his latest victory against Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 83 earning him widespread praise from both fighters and enthusiasts alike. The performance showcased in UFC Vegas 83 was tremendous, solidifying Rountree Jr.’s status as a solid light heavyweight fighter. In a post-fight press conference, the fighter eloquently expressed his desire to win the title by defeating Alex Pereira in Vegas.

During the press conference, the fighter explained that he had battled depression and suicidal thoughts, and the sport, alongside the UFC’s support, saved him. He recounted that his journey began years ago, and during training, he would often gaze at UFC billboards for motivation. Constantly reminding himself that one day, he too would grace those billboards, helped him persevere.

“I’m going to be on that billboard one day. It’s going to mean a lot, man. It would mean a lot because then that would mean that 20-year-old suicidal, just depressed guy who needed something to look forward to—I would see that, and it kind of hits a certain spot, you know what I mean? And I get to look back and be like, ‘I did it, you know? I did,” expressed Rountree Jr.

Rountree Jr. also mentioned that he wanted to give back the city a title and bring the title back to Las Vegas and this is one of the reasons why he called out Alex Pereira after his fight.

“It’s nothing directly personal”– Rountree Jr. on calling out Pereira

Rountree Jr. issued a surprise call-out to Alex Pereira after defeating Smith, catching the combat sports community off guard. The call-out seemed rather random and came out of nowhere, surprising many. After the fight, Rountree Jr. revealed the real reason behind challenging the light heavyweight champion.

Rountree Jr. stated, ” I just think it would be, really cool to fight the best in the division, best in the world at light heavyweight in Las Vegas, where I’m from. Potentially winning the belt in Las Vegas with a Las Vegas crowd and then being able to say, “UFC has a local Champion.” Like, you know, that’s more of how my mind makes it, versus, and it just so happens that Alex Pereira is the champion, you know what I mean? So, it’s like, it’s a mixture. It’s nothing directly personal; it’s just circumstantial”

Read More: Dana White Called Out for Disgusting Moment at the Apex as Heckler Abuses Chris Gutierrez During Song Yadong Fight at UFC Vegas 83

So what’s Your opinion on Khalil Rountree Jr.’s statement about Alex Pereira? Do you think he can defeat Pereira? Tell us about your opinion in the comments below.

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