Dana White has a high prediction for Khalil Rountree ahead of his UFC 307 fight against Alex Pereira

Since UFC boss Dana White announced the No. 8 light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. As he faces division king Alex Pereira in the headline event of the highly anticipated upcoming UFC 307, “The War Horse” has become the main target of his critics. They have repeatedly questioned his suitability for a title shot even though he wasn't ranked in the top five in the division. However, White remained unmoved by this criticism and continues to stand by his decision to promote Rountree Jr. as the perfect opponent for Pereira, reaffirming that opinion at the recent DWCS post-fight press conference.

After the successful organization of the 8th season of the Dana White Contender Series, the UFC CEO entered the media room as usual after the event concluded. The media seemed more interested in UFC 307, which is just two days away, than the DWCS event. One of the reporters asked White: “What do you think a win would do for Khalil Rountree Jr.?” This emphasizes the fact that both White and “The War Horse” are from Las Vegas. The reporter continued“I know Khalil got emotional when he talked about potentially bringing the title back to the city of Las Vegas. What do you think that would do for him?”

To which White replied: “It's life-changing for him. I mean, if he wins this fight, it will literally change his life. It will completely change his life.” There is no doubt that Khalil Rountree Jr.'s win against Alex Pereira would certainly change his life, especially considering the difficulties he faced during his UFC journey. The first half of this year didn't go well for him; He was knocked unconscious at UFC 303 against Jamahal Hill after accidentally consuming banned substances. He was later criticized for getting a shot at the title because he came from a background of PED use. However, Rountree Jr. grew up with challenges and remains unfazed by these situations.

Khalil Rountree Jr. looks back on the biggest fight of his life

At 34 years old, Khalil Rountree Jr. is now a 6-foot-2 powerhouse with a physique that rivals that of a supermodel. But just a few years ago his situation was completely different. The “war horse” as we know it today, weighing 205 pounds, was once “a 300 pound boy on the verge of suicide.” So what happened that saved this light heavyweight star? The answer is simple: “MMA.”

Two years ago, Rountree shed light on his transformation while speaking with Ariel Helwani The MMA lesson. He explained: “Until one day my brother watched MMA. I understood a little bit what it was, and somehow it was related to this aggression and anger that these guys seemed to have, especially after I saw “Rampage.” [Quinton Jackson] Tear down a door in The Ultimate Fighter. I thought, 'Yeah, that's what I want to do.'”

Now all eyes are on what’s to come UFC 307where Khalil Rountree Jr. will compete Alex Pereira to claim the title and silence the critics who have questioned his worthiness for a title shot. Who do you root for, “The War Horse” or Alex Pereira? Leave your thoughts in the comments.