UFC Quote: Khalil Rountree Wants Alex Pereira Title Shot Next: "I Think It Makes Sense"
Khalil Rountree earned his fifth-straight win Saturday night against Anthony Smith in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 83.
The 33-year-old Californian already has his sights set on even bigger goals, including a title shot against newly-crowned champion Alex Pereira.
While speaking to the media at the UFC APEX just as the event had concluded, Rountree (13-5 MMA, 9-5, 1 NC UFC), a man of few words, staked his claims for a fight with Pereira in 2024 and beyond.
"I don't ever call people out," Rountree said. "I don't think you guys have any record of me ever calling anybody out. But, in my mind, knowing that I beat Anthony Smith, that would get me into the top-10. And I know that, the way the rankings kinda work, if I fought and I'm just 12, I just know that, like, I have to be in the top-10 to be worthy of fighting for a title."
Rountree said that given who is in front of him at 205 pounds, he would be the most compelling matchup for Pereira.
"Say they put me at No. 10 and not No. 8 where Anthony was," Rountree said. "Okay, so from nine up, in my opinion, and I think in the fans' opinion, the most exciting fight would be me vs. Pereira. That's just...I've seen, from like comments, things like that after Alex's win [in November], I got flooded with people tagging me in things [on social media]. I think it makes sense. Two dynamic strikers, powerful strikers."
Rountree said it would be a stand-up war, and given where he sits at this stage of his UFC career, it's almost inevitable.
At press time, the UFC has yet to respond to Rountree's request, as the newest rankings appear in the days ahead.
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