Khalil Rountree JR qualified under a few MMA legends with his display at UFC Baku.
In his first fight since he fell short of the UFC -light heavyweight title against Alex Pereira, Rountree JR bounced back in a strong way.
In the main event of UFC Baku, Rountree JR largely dominated Jamahal Hill and the former champion on the way to a crooked unanimous decision judgment in his favor.
While the headliner as a whole criticized some who expected a more entertaining affair, 'The War Horse' certainly showed moments of violence.
And a powerful burst saw Rountree JR enter the history books at UFC Baku.
Khalil Rountree JR Bond Chuck Liddell and Shogun Rua fixed for UFC Light Heavyweight Knockdown Record
The victory of Rountree JR op Hill concluded the very first event of the UFC in Azerbaijan.
Although the night will be memorable for 'The War Horse' purely because of his bounce back victory and returns to the title photo, it will also fall as the night in which he made history.
During the Five Round Main Event on June 21, Rountree JR Hill Down hit and set the ex-title Challenger level for the division record.
Rountree Jr's Count of 14 Knockdowns is now connected to former Champions Chuck Liddell and Shogun Rua for the most in UFC Light Heavyweight History.
The 35-year-old will now look to surpass the two legends by making his 15th next time-out.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
The Khalil Rountree JR knockdowns were not enough to impress Magomed Ankalaev
After the result on Saturday, Rountree Jr will undoubtedly hope for the chance to challenge Magomed Ankalaev along the line. But it seems that the newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was not impressed by the latest version of the American.
Ankalaev responded to Hill vs. Rountree JR on social media and mocked the few brutally for how their main event fights took place.
“I fall asleep,” wrote Ankalaev.
I fall asleep
– Muhammad Big Ank Ankalaev (@ankalaevm) 21 June 2025
View tweet
With that in mind, 'The War Horse' will probably have to make a statement with a different victory on a highly ranked opposition to secure his place as next in line after the expected rematch of Pereira later this year.