The UFC surprised many critics and fans over the weekend in announcing that eighth-ranked Khalil Rountree will challenge light heavyweight world champion Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307 on October 5.
After all, the company gave Rountree a crack at the title over the likes of Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill, who are both ranked higher than the American fighter.
That said, what shouldn't be a surprise is the kind of fight Rountree is expecting — a very violent one that remains on the feet.
"In my career, I've never shot one takedown," Rountree said when speaking with The Schmo recently. "That's not in my plans. I'm here to put on an amazing fight for the fans.
"Like this one, regardless of what anybody says, this is a fight for the fans," he continued. "I think with my style, with his style, this fight's not going to disappoint. I'm there to do what I do — what my fans know what I'm capable of — and all I can say is expect a banger, man."
The 34-year-old Rountree counts seven of his nine UFC victories by knockout, demonstrating how dangerous he is with his striking.
Pereira, 37, has ended six of his nine UFC bouts via knockout, having just defeated Jiří Procházka via a second-round TKO.
To critics saying that Rountree is undeserving of a title shot considering his No. 8 ranking, Rountree offered: "It doesn't matter. The fight's happening regardless of what they think or not. The fight's happening and it's going to be a good one and that's all I can say, man."
He added: "I think any time any fans or any time any UFC fans watch me fight, they can expect the same thing — I come out there, I put on the performances that I put on. It's always exciting, it's always violent. So they can expect that and even more. And then at the end, the belt around my waist and secures it all and I'm f—ing happy, man."
Rountree is coming off a third-round TKO of Anthony Smith in December.
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