Khalil Rountree picked up a second-round TKO victory against Modestas Bukauskas, using a vicious oblique kick at UFC Vegas 36. Both fighters were coming off a two-fight losing streak into this matchup, looking to prove a point.
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And although the MMA community is happy to see Rountree get back to his winning ways, his method of victory has sparked off an age-old debate in MMA: Should Oblique kicks be legal?
Khalil Rountree had a great first round, walking his opponent down and landing vicious right hands and a hook that shattered Bukausakas’ nose.
Continuing with the momentum from the first round, Rountree began cutting off the ring once again. And two minutes into the second round, ‘The war horse’ landed a vicious oblique kick that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas in unbearable pain, as the referee jumped in to wave off the fight.
Soon after the fight was over, several fighters took to social to congratulate Rountree but also express their concern regarding the use of the oblique kick in MMA.
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad, who is also an analyst on the UFC post-fight show, made the following statement with regards to the debate.
#RT @espnmma: "Dana White, please protect me. Let's change a few [rules]. You gotta protect your stars here." @bullyb170 is just looking out for himself 😅 #UFCVegas36
Other fighters, including Kelvin Gastelum, Aljamain Sterling, Jimmy Manuwa, and Tatiana Suarez, weighed in as well.
Agreed, this strike should be illegal. It is a career ender. Who can we talk to about this? @ufc This in now way is a knock on Rountree. His performance and execution was great to watch. But this strike should be addressed.
Oblique kicks don’t make much sense to me, athletes are getting seriously injured resulting in longer layoffs, company is paying for surgeries and rehabs..
Who wants to go into a fight, throw a jab, and get their entire knee destroyed… OUCH! OW! AHH! UGHH! That strike is a devastating one.
Shit!! That hurt !! I hate those strikes. Those are career threatening 🤦🏾♂️ #UFCVegas36
Omg no 😳 that’s how my knee looked! Shit shit shit. Literally sick to my stomach. #UFCVegas36
Although many fighters such as Jon Jones have made use of the oblique kick in a fight, this is the first time that the use of this weapon has led to a stoppage. Considering this, there could be a change in the rule set in the future, only time will tell.
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What’s next for Khalil Rountree?
Khalil Rountree has had his fair share of trials ever since becoming a part of the UFC. In fact, the 31-year-old had made plans to retire in 2020, after he’d completed his contract.
Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (R-L) Khalil Rountree kicks Marcin Prachnio of Poland in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
However, ‘The War Horse’ now has a new contract with the UFC and is looking to turn things around. His most recent victory is a monumental step towards achieving that goal.
Last night, during his post-fight interview, Rountree talked about his aspirations and is looking to rack up a winning streak in the light heavyweight division. ‘The War Horse’ also called out Paul Craig, a former opponent of his who is currently ranked number twelve in the division.
What do you think? What’s next for Khalil Rountree? Let us know in the comments.
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