Anderson Silva's 'partner' and natural knockout artist: meet Khalil Rountree, Poatan's rival at UFC 307

Khalil rountree Jr is the next opponent of Alex Poatán (Photo: Instagram)

The choice of Khalil Rountree Jr. as a challenger for the light heavyweight belt took many people by surprise in the MMA community. The name of the American, who faces Alex Poatán for the title in the main fight of the UFC 307, this Saturday (5), may not be so familiar to more casual fans, but, about a decade ago, it was pointed out by none other than Anderson Silva as 'future UFC champion', even before being hired by the organization.

Former training partner of 'Spider' at Black House, Khalil Rountree Jr. made the news after allegedly knocking out the Brazilian legend during a training session. The revelation was made by himself Anderson Silva and immediately attracted attention to the North American light heavyweight (up to 93 kg), who, at the time, was beginning his career in professional MMA.

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Featured in 'The Ultimate Fighter' and irregular start in the UFC

A good start to your career at RFA, a regional event, combined with the reference of Anderson Silva, took Khalil rountree to the 23rd season of 'The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC's official reality show. Trained by Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the 'War Horse' was one of the highlights of the season, but ended up defeated by Andrew Sanchez in the grand final of the light heavyweight tournament. Despite the setback, Rountree was signed by Ultimate.

The beginning wasn't the best. Despite showing a good level in stand-up fighting and a lot of knockout power, Khalil Rountree Jr. had just four wins in his first nine fights in the organization, suffering defeats by knockout against Johnny Walker e Ion cutelaba.

Turn around and head towards Alex Poatan

Khalil rountree in victory over Anthony Smith at UFC (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Turning around Khalil rountree Jr started 2021, with a brutal victory over Modest Bukauskas. After that, the North American lined up Karl Robertson, dustin jacoby, Chris Daukas and most recently Anthony Smith, in December of last year.

In eighth place in the light heavyweight rankings (up to 93 kg), Khalil rountree Jr would face the biggest challenge of his career in June this year, at UFC 303, when he was selected to face the former champion Jamahal hill. A failed doping test due to consumption of a contaminated supplement, however, temporarily frustrated the plans of the 'War Horse', who was suspended for just two months after proving his innocence in the case.

Months after losing the biggest opportunity of his career so far, Khalil Rountree Jr. was chosen as his opponent Alex Poatán for the light heavyweight belt. The two face each other in the main fight of the UFC 307, this Saturday (5), in Salt Lake City, in the United States.