For Khalil Rountree Jr., fighting isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s survival. Now ranked No. 4 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, ‘The War Horse’ has turned setbacks into a career built on grit. At UFC 307, he stepped onto the biggest stage of his life against then-champion Alex Pereira. For four rounds, he pushed the Brazilian to the limit before Pereira’s power shut the lights out for the 35-year-old. In the end, Pereira kept the belt, but the Californian earned something else—respect.

However, that moment didn’t come easily. Khalil Rountree carried scars long before he entered the Octagon. He grew up reeling from his father’s murder, battled obesity, and fell into destructive habits before MMA gave him purpose. Since then, every fight has meant more than beating an opponent—it has meant beating back the ghosts that haunted him outside the cage. And along the way, drama has followed him—including Sean Strickland’s accusation that Rountree was part of a cult, a claim hard to overlook.

Sean Strickland claims Khalil Rountree is part of a ‘cult’

The word cult alone makes ears prick up. Historically, America’s encounters with such groups have been dark and infamous. Even today, cult-like groups continue to resurface. Similarly, in 2023, the MMA world became part of the conversation when Sean Strickland claimed on Instagram stories that Khalil Rountree Jr. belonged to a group called Choice Center. He wrote: “When your level 100 @choicecenter tells you not to talk, you listen…. It’s time you guys to #freeroundtree.. You guys I’m not messing with you @choicecenter is a cult. We gotta rescue Roundtree.”

In reality, Choice Center ties to a program called Choice Center Leadership, which ‘The War Horse’ has joined. Moreover, Sean Strickland fueled the controversy on social media—calling out Rountree directly, tagging Choice Center’s accounts, and sparking the hashtag #FreeRountree, which quickly gained traction far beyond the MMA world.

More about ‘Choice Center Leadership University’

Khalil Rountree Jr. has faced a life marked by hardship, from his father’s murder to struggles with depression and obesity. In search of a way forward, he joined the Choice Center and completed their LV126 program—an emotional intelligence development course he credits with helping him confront past self-destructive behaviors and take control of his personal growth. After navigating a turbulent period in his young adult years, Rountree attended the Choice Center Leadership University, graduated from the program, and subsequently became a vocal supporter.

According to the Choice Center website, the organization has shaped lives since 1998, offering personal development programs for adults and teens that help participants develop their personalities and emotional intelligence. Its influence on Rountree is clear, as he recently emphasizes encouraging men to “accept their softer side.” To achieve its goals, the Choice Center uses different methods.

“What distinguishes us is our experiential learning style – which is the fastest and most profound way to learn and retain knowledge – and our Leadership Legacy program, which provides you with a 100-day runway to practice using the tools you acquire while supported by coaches, trainers and teammates who champion and challenge you to accomplish goals you design to elevate the quality of your life,” the organization’s website explains.

Truth behind Khalil Rountee’s cult accusations

It seems Choice Center Leadership University has stirred some controversy. Although no concrete proof labels it a cult, critics accuse the organization of operating like a cultish MLM scheme, using psychological manipulation and coercive tactics, including forced positive reviews and mandatory recruitment. While it presents itself as a personal growth program, detractors say it exploits psychological vulnerabilities for financial gain, mirroring other questionable leadership programs. As a result, supporters defend its mission, whereas skeptics share warnings across forums like Reddit.

As for Khalil Rountree Jr., whether he attended the organization for personal growth or became involved in its practices remains unclear. Nevertheless, it seems to have left a mark on him. Currently, ‘The War Horse’ rides a six-win, one-loss streak in his last seven UFC fights, and now he steps into the Octagon this week at UFC 320 to face Jiri Prochazka, aiming to build momentum and stake his claim for the next title shot.