Khalil Ibn Rountree Jr. Bio
Khalil Ibn Rountree Jr. is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on February 26, 1990, he has established himself as a top contender, ranked #4 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings as of October 28, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Khalil Rountree Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California. His early life was marked by tragedy when his father was killed in an attempted robbery while working as a tour manager. Growing up, Rountree found solace in attending hardcore music concerts, which provided a safe outlet for his emotions. This unique background influenced his disciplined and intense approach to mixed martial arts.
Before beginning his MMA training, Rountree had no formal combat sports background. He started training in MMA in 2010 and quickly progressed to amateur competition in 2011. His early dedication laid the foundation for his professional career.
Path to MMA
Rountree began his amateur MMA career competing primarily as a middleweight, achieving a 6–1 record under regional promotions like Tuff-N-Uff and King of the Cage. He transitioned to professional competition in 2014, debuting as a light heavyweight with Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA). His performances in RFA showcased his knockout power and striking skills, earning him recognition and a path to the UFC.
His participation in The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia in 2016 marked a significant step in his career. Despite setbacks, including a submission loss, he advanced to the finale, demonstrating resilience and skill that caught the attention of UFC officials and fans alike.
Khalil Rountree Jr. Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Rountree’s early career was characterized by rapid development and success in regional circuits. After turning professional in 2014, he secured multiple wins in RFA, including first-round knockouts and unanimous decisions. His ability to finish fights early made him a standout prospect in the light heavyweight division.
During this period, Rountree also competed briefly as a middleweight, showcasing versatility across weight classes. His performances earned him a contract with the UFC, where he debuted in 2016.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2016–Present)
Khalil Rountree Jr. made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale in July 2016, facing Andrew Sanchez for the TUF 23 Light Heavyweight title. Although he lost via unanimous decision, he quickly rebounded with notable wins, including first-round knockouts against Daniel Jolly and Paul Craig in 2017.
One of his career-defining moments came at UFC 226 in 2018, where he knocked out Gökhan Saki in the first round, earning the Performance of the Night award. This victory highlighted his striking prowess and solidified his status as a dangerous contender.
Rountree continued to compete against top opponents, experiencing both victories and setbacks. His wins over fighters like Modestas Bukauskas and Karl Roberson, the latter earning him another Performance of the Night bonus, demonstrated his evolving skill set and finishing ability.
In 2024, Rountree faced Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 307 but lost by technical knockout in the fourth round. Despite the loss, the bout earned Fight of the Night honors, reflecting his competitive spirit and entertainment value.
In 2025, Rountree secured a unanimous decision win over former champion Jamahal Hill and later faced Jiří Procházka at UFC 320, where he was knocked out in the third round. This fight also earned him Fight of the Night recognition, underscoring his role in high-profile matchups.
Syndicate MMA Era (Present)
Rountree currently trains with Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, Nevada. His partnership with the team has contributed to his technical growth and strategic approach inside the octagon. The team environment supports his aggressive striking style and continuous improvement.
Throughout his recent fights, Rountree has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, securing multiple Performance of the Night awards and maintaining a position among the top contenders in the light heavyweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Khalil Rountree Jr. fights from a southpaw stance, known for his powerful striking and knockout ability. He excels in utilizing his reach and timing to deliver precise and impactful strikes. His background in Muay Thai and dedication to striking have made him a formidable opponent on the feet, while his strategic fight IQ allows him to adapt during bouts effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rountree’s career highlights include multiple Performance of the Night awards, his knockout of Gökhan Saki at UFC 226, and competing for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. His fights have often been recognized for their excitement and competitiveness, earning him Fight of the Night honors twice.
Khalil Rountree Jr. Career Wins
As of 2025, Khalil Rountree Jr. has amassed 14 professional wins across various promotions, including the UFC and Resurrection Fighting Alliance. His victories feature a mix of knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting his well-rounded skill set.
UFC Highlights
Rountree has secured several notable wins in the UFC, including first-round knockouts against Daniel Jolly, Paul Craig, and Gökhan Saki. His recent victories over Karl Roberson and Anthony Smith earned him Performance of the Night bonuses, highlighting his finishing capability at the highest level of competition.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Rountree compiled a strong record in regional promotions, notably in Resurrection Fighting Alliance, where he achieved multiple knockouts and decision wins. His amateur record of 6–1 also set the stage for his professional success.
Khalil Rountree Jr. Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Khalil Rountree Jr. is married to Mia Kang, with the couple tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in Thailand on January 1, 2024. He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Details about his parents and children are not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Khalil Rountree Jr. continued to compete at the elite level of the UFC light heavyweight division. He secured a unanimous decision win over Jamahal Hill in June, demonstrating his tactical maturity and resilience. Later in the year, he faced former champion Jiří Procházka, where despite a knockout loss, he earned Fight of the Night honors, reflecting his ability to engage in high-stakes, entertaining bouts.
Rountree’s performances in 2025 have maintained his status as a top contender, supported by his training at Syndicate MMA and a focus on refining his striking and fight strategy. His outlook remains positive as he aims to return to championship contention in the coming seasons.