“You’re a Grown Man” Khalil Rountree Jr. Blasts UFC Champion Magomed Ankalaev on Joe Rogan Podcast originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
UFC light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. has been on an upward swing as of late, fresh off a dominant win over Jamahal Hill at UFC Baku. He defied expectations, as many voices in the MMA community, including UFC vet and broadcaster Chael Sonnen, believed it would be a back-and-forth war. Rountree, however, executed a meticulous and effective game plan that proved he still belongs in title conversations.
This is good news for the surging fighter, given that he may have a personal gripe with the division’s current champion, Magomed Ankalaev.
On an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show podcast, Rountree Jr. pulled no punches when discussing reigning champion Ankalaev.
The UFC veteran expressed his disdain for Ankalaev’s trash-talking persona, making it clear he has no respect for the champion’s approach to the sport.
“Am I a fan? Absolutely not,” Rountree declared. When asked by Joe Rogan whether he has distaste for him as a fighter or as a person, he answered, “Both.”
Watch the full episode here:
Rountree’s frustration comes from what he believes to be unnecessary disrespect from Ankalaev, particularly on social media.
The former title challenger doubled down, saying, “He just talks sh—, and I hate people who talk sh—. If I didn’t say anything to you, if I’ve never f—ing mentioned your name, then why are you talking sh— to me, or about me, or disrespecting me?”
The 35-year-old fighter emphasized that the toxicity displayed by Ankalaev’s online persona has real-world consequences, especially for younger fans who look up to fighters as role models.
“I had to deal with this sh— my whole life,” Rountree admitted. “And it’s a f—ing toxic way of f—ing being, and it’s passing along through social media, and kids are f—ing getting beat up for it.”
His comments highlighted a growing concern about the influence of fighter conduct outside the cage, particularly among impressionable audiences. It was a rather ironic statement to make while on the Joe Rogan Podcast, but a point that he stood his ground on.
Rountree took issue with Ankalaev’s role as a champion, arguing that titleholders should set a better example.
“We’re f—ing grown men on a large platform,” he quipped. “People are looking up to us for many different things, and they envision us as these f—ing gladiators. And this is what you’re choosing to do as a fu—ing champion.”
The criticism comes as Ankalaev prepares for a high-stakes rematch with Alex Pereira at UFC 320, another fight Rountree has a vested interest in after his own war with Pereira last year.
As the Pereira vs. Ankalaev rematch was announced by UFC President Dana White, he also announced that Rountree will face former champion Jiri Prochazka on the same card, in a fight that could position the winner for a title shot.
If he wins, a clash with Ankalaev could be inevitable, and Rountree will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to settle their differences in the cage.
Related: UFC Baku: Khalil Rountree Clears the Air on Perceived Beef With Jamahal Hill
Related: Dana White Reveals UFC 321 Heavyweight Main Event, Jon Jones Era Officially Over
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
