Anderson Silva has reached out to Khalil Rountree Jr. in the aftermath of his valiant TKO title defeat at UFC 307.
Light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr. in the fourth round of their exciting fight at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday night.
The challenger started the fight shockingly well and even scored a knockdown in round two.
However, he was a bloody mess by the time Pereira took him out in the fourth frame which ultimately ended thanks to two devastating body shots.
Rountree Jr. has been receiving lots of praise for giving the champion trouble as an unfancied underdog and showing tons of heart to stay in the fight for so long.
PREDICTION: Khalil Rountree Jr. vows to return even better following UFC 307 defeat
Anderson Silva is perhaps the most distinguished person giving him props.
On Monday, 'The Spider' shared a message on social media that praised Rountree Jr. Pereira, and Jose Aldo, who suffered a controversial decision defeat at UFC 307 and prompted Conor McGregor to call for a rule change.
"I could say countless things about this incredible battle between these two giants," Silva wrote on Instagram.
"In my opinion, the perfect world would be not seeing my brother and my friend fighting. But on the other hand, that's how the sport is.
"Alex, you were impeccable, on an incredible rise. Congratulations, my friend.
"As for my little brother Khalil, I am so proud of you, my brother. Thank you so much for being part of my life. Those who know your story know who you truly are: you are a giant. You walk away from this battle as a winner because you showed that fighting at a high level is not for just anyone.
"Congratulations to both of you. May GOD bless you both.
"Khalil, don't forget that only a few like us have the courage to fight the good fight. Strength and honor today and always!
"And I couldn't forget to mention our great (José Aldo). You are our champion! King".
Routnree Jr. replied: "I love you brother. Thank you for everything. I appreciate all that you do for us. Bad boys for life."
Rountree Jr's valiant effort against Pereira was magnified in the immediate after of UFC 307.
Joe Rogan was left stunned by Marc Goddard's comments about Alex Pereira's punching power.
The veteran commentator revealed that while he was waiting to interview both men, he had a conversation about Pereira with Goddard, who refereed the fight.
"I was in the octagon after the fight and Marc Goddard came up to me and he said, 'I've been doing this for 20 years'," Rogan said while wrapping up the UFC 307 broadcast.
"And he goes, 'The way he hits people, the sound is like nothing I've ever heard before.' He said, 'It's ungodly'. That's what he kept saying, he says it ungodly."
Former dual-weight champion Daniel Cormier was with Rogan in the commentary booth and expressed his shock at Goddard's high praise of Pereira.
"Wow! That's crazy coming from Marc Goddard," he said before Anik moved the conversation on.
Magomed Ankalaev appears to be next in line for a shot at Pereira.
First things first, he's got to get by Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on October 26.