Israel Adesanya believes Khalil Rountree Jr.'s 'stock goes up' after Alex Pereira loss

Heading into the UFC 307 main event light heavyweight title bout against champion Alex Pereira, everyone knew Khalil Rountree Jr. was tough.  But the extent of his toughness wasn’t fully realized.  

Ultimately, Rountree Jr. was stopped late in the fourth frame after taking the fight to “Poatan” in the early rounds.  The bout earned “Fight of the Night’ honors and former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Rountree Jr.’s ‘stock went up’ even in defeat.  

“He lasted longer than I thought he would,” Adesanya said immediately following the fight.  “At least someone else took him to the fourth round.  It shows how tough Khalil is.”

“Props to Khalil because of heart, fighting with a broken nose, a f*cked eye, and intelligence not to blow his nose even in the fight.  Respect,” Adesanya continued.  “His stock goes up after this.  What a moment.”    

Rountree Jr. entered the UFC 307 title match ranked eighth in the division and riding a five-fight winning streak.  Even in defeat, he may move up in the rankings.  

For Pereira, it was his third successful light heavyweight title defense.  He tied Daniel Cormier for the third most title fight wins in UFC Light Heavyweight division history.  He also passed Ronda Rousey for the shortest time for three consecutive title defenses in UFC history (175 days).