Rountree Jr. calls Chimaev ‘best in the world’ and drops bold warning about 205-pound move

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Khalil Rountree Jr. played a role in Khamzat Chimaev’s preparation for UFC 328. Despite competing one division above, he joined a group of ranked fighters supporting the middleweight champion.

Alongside names such as Brendan Allen, Rountree helped sharpen ‘Borz’ ahead of his upcoming title defence against Sean Strickland. The experience gave him a close look at the champion’s overall skill set.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the 36-year-old American shared his assessment. His comments reflected both admiration and concern about Chimaev’s potential future.

Khalil Rountree Jr. calls Khamzat Chimaev ‘best in the world’ and warns division

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Rountree made it clear that training with Chimaev changed his perspective on the champion’s level. He described him as one of the most complete fighters in the sport.

The light heavyweigh contender said (via MMA Junkie): “I feel many different ways. When I first heard the news, I was a bit bummed out, really. Just to know that a guy like Khamzat would come to your division and had to be a potential matchup if that happened, it doesn’t make me happy to think about that.

“I just told you, training with this guy, he’s the best in the world. It’s difficult. It’s difficult in all areas, in standup, in grappling. No one gets an easy round with Khamzat.

“It doesn’t matter what weight class, what size. That were my initial thoughts, like, ‘Damn, if he made the move up, we’re all kind of sc——.’ That’s kind of how I look at it.”

Khamzat Chimaev move up still uncertain despite growing speculation

Dana White has already addressed the idea of Chimaev moving up immediately.