'Boom': Rountree Jr KOs opponent in first round

Khalil Rountree Jr has backed up his pre-fight hype by knocking out Gokhan Saki very early in the first round at UFC 226.

The light heavyweight bout was poised to run for the full 15 minutes, but Rountree Jr only needed two to get the job done.

Commentator Joe Rogan was shocked at the result, and praised the 28-year-old on his performance.

“Boom, straight down the middle,” Joe Rogan said in the broadcast.

“That is a giant victory for Rountree Jr.

“He just knocked out one of the best kickboxers of all time.”

Rountree Jr was quick to hit back at any critics he may have, confirming that he’s ready for bigger and better fights.

“Its very satisfying,” Rountree said in his post-fight interview.

“I’m not a ground fighter, I’m a striker.

“I’m new to this, but it doesn’t take away from the hard work I put in.”

The UFC 226 card will continue with the co-main event featuring a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis, with the main event between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier set to steal the headlines.