Currently ranked fifth in his division, UFC light heavyweight competitor Khalil Rountree has become known for his elite, explosive power and his cunning Muay Thai-based striking in the cage. That being said, having gotten to speak with him one-on-one, he’s just as remarkable when he’s not competitively fighting.   Although our conversation was brief, the MMA fighter was quite proud talking about his recent work with Paramount + and UFC’s partnership with the Child Mind Institute’s Mental Health Awareness Month initiatives. As someone who understands the importance of taking care of one’s mental wellness, he clearly enjoyed aiding kids in their own mental, as well as physical, health journeys.  Beyond his affinity for philanthropy, what was most intriguing about the discussion with Rountree was when I asked him to elaborate on a point he made in a 2025 GQ interview about striking a balance in masculinity between his “violent” side in the ring and the softer side in his day-to-day life.…