Fighters normally do not see the celebrities rising after defeat, however Halil Rountree Jr. is totally different from most fighters.
“The Warfare Horse,” which had an unlikely UFC title alternative in October, was one of the vital thrilling scraps of the 12 months, then went toe-toe with mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Rountree Jr. was in the end quick towards Pereira, however his willingness to slug it with one of the vital embellished knockout artists in MMA historical past rapidly liked him to struggle the followers, and took him in a single day from a candidate to a famous person.
“For the primary time in my life I might by no means imagined the implications of a loss,” Rountree Jr. advised MMA Combating. “It was nice, it was a possibility. I did not carry my belt again, however I went residence with numerous followers and respect from followers everywhere in the world. It meant loads to me, and nonetheless very a lot. Even right this moment, I’m very shocked by the quantity of followers everywhere in the world who have been moved by the battle.
“I feel lots of people have confirmed unsuitable. ‘Oh, why is he taking a shot?’ They’re in my nook now. I discovered a number of ethical victories in that battle.
Khalil Rountree Jr. meets “candy goals” in Azerbaijan
Rountree Jr. goals to return to his victory column when he stepped into the principle occasion highlight once more this Saturday at UFC Baku. There, “The Warfare Horse” throws his palms with Jamahal Hill, one other former 205-pound title holder.
The chances have been fairly tight within the UFC’s first principal occasion in Azerbaijan, with Hill being a small favourite of -115, whereas Rountree Junior sits at -105.
