Khalil Rountree Calls for Title Fight Against Alex Pereira After KO of Anthony Smith

Khalil Rountree believes he is deserving of a title shot following his spectacular win over former title contender Anthony Smith in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 233 on Saturday.

Smith stepped up on 15 days’ notice after Rountree’s original opponent, Azamat Murzakanov, pulled out due to pneumonia. Rountree clearly outstruck “Lionheart” from the outset of the fight before brutally knocking him out with an uppercut and left hook combo early in the third round. This marked the fifth consecutive victory for “The War Horse,” a streak which includes finishes against Modestas Bukauskas, Karl Roberson and Chris Daukaus.

In the aftermath of his latest victory, the streaking light heavyweight shot for the stars by calling for a title shot against Alex Pereira. However, the Tiger Muay Thai rep is also aware that he might have to pass other tests before making a gold bid.

“I came in with high hopes I would have a good performance,” the 33-year-old said in his post-fight Octagon i interview. “Las Vegas is the home of the UFC. And in my mind, I feel like it’s time to have a champion at home. I’m in the Top 10 now and the only thing that I want to do is fight Alex Pereira. I know that I have other people that I have to possibly fight, but I know that’s a fight the fans would want to see. I think that from what I’ve seen, the fans would love to see that fight.”

Rountree further justified his callout of “Poatan” during his post-fight media scrum.

“I think it makes sense,” Rountree said. “Two dynamic strikers, powerful strikers. I don’t plan to shoot any takedowns. I don’t think I’ve ever shot for a takedown in my career. I don’t think he is necessarily going to shoot for any takedowns because the guy’s a warrior. So, then you’ve got two, explosive, dynamic strikers. Now me being in the [Top 10], you know in my mind, it makes sense.”