Conor McGregor pointed out a glaring error in gameplan, says Khalil Rountree

Khalil Rountree Jr. reveals getting feedback from UFC superstar Conor McGregor after title loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 307.

Conor McGregor pointed out a glaring error in gameplan, says Khalil Rountree

Conor McGregor's message to Khalil Rountree Jr. (Image via Imago)

Khalil Rountree Jr. and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira clashed heads for four intense rounds at UFC 307. Rountree recently revealed that he received some “really cool” messages from UFC superstar Conor McGregor after his brutal TKO loss. Here is what happened:

Khalil Rountree Jr. recently sat down for a discussion on the Pound 4 Pound podcast. During his conversation with Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman, Rountree revealed some of the words of encouragement and tactical advice McGregor reached out to him with.

One thing he pointed out was that I could’ve put more pressure… If I would’ve been a little more relentless with my pressure and not backed off so much and retook the center of the cage I think I would’ve been able to apply a little more damage to him

Khalil Rountree Jr. via Pound 4 Pound

Rountree had a strong start in the fight. He even won the first two rounds on the judges’ scorecards. However, Pereira put his striking power and experience to use and mounted a comeback in the later rounds. He eventually secured a TKO victory in the fourth round, successfully defending his title for the third time in the last seven months. 

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McGregor’s feedback came at a pivotal moment for Rountree. He had been on a five-fight winning streak before the bout with Pereira. Now, despite the loss, his performance was widely respected. Rountree is currently recovering from facial injuries sustained in the bout, including undergoing septum surgery. However, he intends to implement the advice in future fights as he continues his pursuit of championship glory. 

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Khalil Rountree on Alex Pereira’s fight IQ after UFC 307

Despite entering the octagon as the underdog against Alex Pereira, Khalil Rountree Jr. started strong, and even managed to drop Pereira with a well-placed hook in the second round. However, Pereira’s ability to adjust his strategy mid-fight ultimately turned the tide. Rountree later admitted that what truly surprised him was Pereira’s fight IQ. 

Khalil Rountree vs. Alex Pereira
Khalil Rountree vs. Alex Pereira (via X)

During his conversation on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Rountree expressed his admiration for Pereira’s ability to remain calm and collected. He explained that although Pereira is often perceived as a stoic in the cage, it was his intelligence and strategic adaptability that made the difference. 

Because you know everytime round 1, round 2, I won but he just kept making adjustments and I think he made very smart adjustments…I’d say the biggest surprise for me was the intelligence you know. As stoic as he is and stone-faced, I do think he has a smart brain.

Khalil Rountree Jr. via Pound 4 Pound

Poatan’s use of deceptive calf kicks and well-timed jabs created openings that wore Rountree down. This experience left Rountree referring to the two-division UFC champion as a “real-life final boss.” For Rountree, UFC 307 was a learning experience. He remains focused on climbing back up the ranks, potentially setting his sights on a future matchup against former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.