Khalil Rountree’s journey to UFC 307’s main event is more than just a fight story. It’s a tale of overcoming tragedy and honoring a remarkable legacy. Growing up without a father is tough. But for Rountree, that absence carried extra weight. His dad wasn’t just any guy. Khalil Rountree Sr. lived a life straight out of a Hollywood script.
Rountree recently talked about his father in the UFC 307 Countdown episode. He revealed that his father was Muhammad Ali’s personal bodyguard and a music industry mogul.
“He [my father] was a manager for Boyz II Men, New Edition; there was a time in his career where he was a personal bodyguard for Muhammad Ali.”
But fate had other plans. When Khalil Rountree Jr. was only two, his father was murdered. The UFC star recently opened up about his dad’s fascinating life. It’s a bittersweet revelation. Sadly, young Rountree never got to hear his father’s tales firsthand. His memories are few but powerful.
He further recalled his father’s funeral vividly and revealed that “Hundreds, if not thousands of people” came to pay respects. That speaks volumes about the man Rountree Sr. must have been. A real mover and shaker, clearly. Seeing his son in this spot must have been a real proud moment for him.
Khalil Rountree Gets Backing From Former UFC Legend
When it comes to MMA predictions, few voices carry as much weight as UFC legend Chael Sonnen’s. The former UFC title challenger turned analyst has never been shy about sharing his opinions. Recently, he dropped a bombshell about the upcoming UFC 307 main event.
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Rountree’s road to this title shot hasn’t been conventional. But five straight wins, with four finishes? That’ll turn some heads. Sonnen sees something special in Rountree’s counter-fighting style. He thinks it’s tailor-made for Alex Pereira and believes he has what it takes to dethrone the light heavyweight champ finally.
“First off, let me give you the hot take of the day: Khalil Rountree is going to walk through Pereira. That is the worst matchup I could think of.” Sonnen said on Good Guy/Bad Guy.
Pereira is no slouch, either. The man has a growing aura of invincibility around him. But Sonnen doesn’t think Rountree will fall for that mental game. He sees the American fighter as the perfect foil to Pereira’s striking prowess. A stylistic nightmare, if you will.
Also Read: Alex Pereira Receives Surprising Backing From Rival Jamahal Hill For Khalil Rountree Fight
