When Khalil Rountree enters the Octagon, his commanding presence, thunderous kicks, and gritty intensity captivate the audience. But beyond the Octagon, the American light heavyweight has an unexpected obsession—one that has nothing to do with fight camps or game plans. With UFC Baku just a few weeks away and a key battle against Jamahal Hill looming, Rountree made a surprising confession that left fans surprised and intrigued: he desperately desires something that no amount of martial arts training can provide. So, what is it?
Most fighters spend six figures on nutritionists, recovery chambers, and professional coaching, but ‘The War Horse’ would spend that money on something much more personal. Not gear. Not even a car. Just a voice. And not just any voice; he prefers a British accent. Yes, you read it correctly. The American UFC star claimed on Michael Bisping‘s Believe You Me podcast that if he could instantly acquire a British accent, he would pay $100,000 without hesitation.
It is not a joke or a throwaway comment; it is something he seriously thinks about. “I’m British by heart man, and I told somebody, I say this all the time, if I could pay like $100,000 to have a British accent, I’d do it,” Khalil Rountree said with utter honesty. And to be honest, he isn’t alone.
Many Americans can relate to this attitude, as studies have repeatedly shown that British accents are often connected with intelligence, sophistication, and even sex appeal. The timing of the confession makes it all the more amusing. ‘The War Horse’ is gearing up for one of the biggest fights of his career, hoping to rebound from a tough loss to Alex Pereira with a good performance against Hill.
Despite the pressure of the situation and the intensity of his preparation, the idea of sounding like James Bond or Michael Bisping makes his heart skip a beat. It reflects his odd, introspective nature, which has made him one of the most distinct personalities on the UFC roster.
Khalil Rountree says he’s ready to pay $100K just to have a British accent.
“I’m British by heart, and I told somebody if I could pay like $100,000 to have a British accent, I’d do it.”
@BYMPod pic.twitter.com/aAcYHSQOKO
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 27, 2025
It remains to be seen whether he will ever achieve his dream voice. However, if Khalil Rountree can focus the same enthusiasm he uses to admire British accents into his fight at UFC Baku, fans may be looking at a reborn contender. And who knows? Maybe a win over Jamahal Hill will put him one step closer to the championship belt—and a British accent coach on retainer. In fact, he already is making massive adjustments to get the win.
Khalil Rountree reveals massive changes after defeat against Alex Pereira
The same man who joked about spending $100,000 for a British accent is also paying with sweat, suffering, and unwavering determination to transform himself. Khalil Rountree doesn’t just talk differently; he also trains differently. Following the most difficult bout of his career against Alex Pereira, the American striker has taken a close look at the weaknesses in his game.
UFC 307 may have ended with his nose shattered and his title ambitions dashed, but it also sparked something deeper. A drive to progress. Never leave anything to chance again. Khalil Rountree’s loss to ‘Poatan’ wasn’t a blowout. In fact, it was one of the few times the light heavyweight juggernaut was visibly rattled. ‘The War Horse’ landed cleanly, showed his hallmark violence, and held his own in the early rounds.
But when the pressure peaked, he couldn’t close the gap—mentally or physically. That’s when self-reflection kicked in. “Even though I put in a really good camp and did my best, I always think there’s room for improvement,” he said on his YouTube channel. The main takeaways? Strength, smarter corner communication, and greater support. No excuses. Just honesty and hunger.
He’s not just talking about it; he’s acting on it. Khalil Rountree has brought in some heavy artillery. He’ll continue to work with veteran coach Lorenzo Pavlica on strength and conditioning. To increase his sensitivity and IQ, he’s enlisted Christian Knowles, the genius behind Jonathan Haggerty’s brilliance. And for grappling? He went big, partnering up with 17-time BJJ world champion Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida.
“I’m starting to feel so much more confident on the ground,” Rountree said. “I can take anyone.” The confidence has returned, but this time it is enhanced with more tools, structure, and fire than ever before. What do you think? Will he get a win at Baku? Let us know in the comments.
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