Many years ago, UFC legend Anderson Silva proclaimed Khalil Rountree to be a future champion.
The American came close last Saturday night in Salt Lake City, Utah to fulfilling that prophecy as he won the first two rounds of his light heavyweight title challenge against Alex Pereira (according to the official scorecards, that is) before Pereira turned up the temperature in round four to score a TKO finish of an exhausted Rountree.
And reflecting on the battle, former longtime middleweight champion Silva said that he couldn’t be prouder of Rountree’s efforts in the cage, some nine or so years after they spent time training together.
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“I could say countless things about this incredible battle between these two giants,” Silva wrote in a message posted to Instagram in both English and Portuguse. “In my opinion, the perfect world would be not seeing my brother and my friend fighting. But on the other hand, that’s how the sport is.
“Alex, you were impeccable, on an incredible rise. Congratulations, my friend.”
‘The Spider’ added: “As for my little brother Khalil, I am so proud of you, my brother. Thank you so much for being part of my life. Those who know your story know who you truly are: you are a giant. You walk away from this battle as a winner because you showed that fighting at a high level is not for just anyone.
“Congratulations to both of you. May GOD bless you both. Khalil, don’t forget that only a few like us have the courage to fight the good fight. Strength and honor today and always!”
Silva also took time to note the performance of Jose Aldo, who was defeated in a close (and somewhat controversial) decision by Mario Bautista.
“And I couldn’t forget to mention our great (Jose Aldo),” Silva wrote. “You are our champion!”
