In one of the most anticipated fights on UFC 226, Gokhan Saki took on Khalil Rountree, and Rountree shocked the world with a knockout.
This pairing was once scheduled for UFC 219, but wound up rescheduled for UFC 226. Khalil Rountree remained on that card and lost, however the result was overturned due to opponent Michał Oleksiejczuk testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Gokhan Saki, despite his 1-1 record in MMA, is one of the most hyped fighters at light heavyweight, and Khalil Rountree always brings it in his fights. On paper, this fight was a fans delight.
The general idea was if Gokhan Saki could turn it into a kickboxing fight, he obviously had the advantage. Right? Saki is an all time kickboxing great and one of the top strikers in the UFC. Gokhan was obviously favored to win if the fight stayed on the feet… no? Well, apparently not.
As Gokhan Saki was throwing a low kick, Khalil landed a straight left hand that floored him! Rountree moved in and landed multiple giant ground strikes to end the fight. It’s important to remember that Khalil Rountree is still incredibly young as a fighter, and at an age where he’s only going to get better.
LAS VEGAS' OWN!!@War_Khalil finishes Saki in round 1! Wow! #UFC226 pic.twitter.com/uneaUoTFth
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2018
It’ll be fun to see where he goes from here. But at UFC 226, Khalil Rountree shocked the world!
Khalil Rountree def. Gokhan Saki by knockout, Round 1, 1:36
