About to face Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320, Khalil rountree opened up about his relationship with Magomed Ankalayev, and made it clear that he does not intend to maintain any kind of diplomacy. In an interview with the podcast 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' the American was direct when commenting on his rival, whom he could soon face in the octagon for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg).
"Can I say with confidence: Am I a fan? Absolutely not. Both as a fighter and as a human being. He's just full of shit. And I don't like people who talk shit for no reason. If I haven't said anything about you, if I've never mentioned your name, why are you talking about me?" Khalil shot back.
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Khalil's criticism also focused on Ankalaev's behavior outside the Octagon, especially on social media. The American demanded responsibility and maturity, especially given that they are public figures with a significant reach.
"Even as an adult, I've had to deal with this kind of thing my whole life. Now it's happening on social media, and kids end up getting beaten up because of it. We're grown men, on a huge platform, with people who admire us, and you choose to do this? You have a responsibility," he added.
Understand the feud between Rountree and Ankalaev
The tension between the two fighters began after the UFC 313, held in March of this year, when Ankalaev won the light heavyweight belt. Shortly after the victory, the Russian took to Twitter to taunt Rountree, calling him 'boom tree', in pejorative reference to 'loser' and his name.
The champion didn't stop there. Months later, he mocked Rountree's supposed position in the audience at an event organized by the organization, saying that the American wasn't in the front row, but rather in the third, in an attempt to diminish his relevance. In June, after Khalil's low-key victory over Jamahal hill, he limited himself to commenting that he 'was sleeping' in a mocking tone.
Paths may cross soon
With six wins in seven UFC fights, Khalil rountree is living one of the best moments of his career and, if he wins Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320, he is considered one of the main names to fight for the belt.
In the main fight of the same event, Magomed Ankalayev tries to defend the title for the first time and finds Alex Poatán in revenge.
Read More about: Khalil rountree, Magomed Ankalayev, UFC, UFC 320
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