The turn of events during UFC 295 that shook the world caused particular disruption for the Light Heavyweight Division. After the belt changed hands to the newly titled Light Heavyweight Champion, Alex Pereira, which certainly stirred up the division. Light Heavyweights Anthony Smith and Khalil Rountree Jr. will square up to headline the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 233 on December 9, 2023, with the main card at 10 p.m. ET.
With a new champion, speculation has begun on who will be the next opponent to the Stone Hands. The top contender in the race currently seems to be former champion and #1-ranked light heavyweight Jamahal Hill. Although there are questions about his recovery, no clear opponent yet can be seen, making it an open opportunity for the light heavyweights.
Khalil Rountree can be seen as one such prospect, coming off an impressive first-round TKO win over Chris Daukas at UFC Vegas 78.
With Azamat Murzakanov out, Anthony Smith steps in to meet Khalil Rountree at UFC Vegas 83
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A veteran of the sport, the 8th-ranked UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith has 55 professional MMA bouts to his name. Smith is also coming off a victory over Ryan Spann via split decision during UFC Fight Night 225. The Jiu-Jitsu black belt will be looking to end his career on a high road, and an impressive performance can set it up for the Lionheart.
Although the challenge in front of him seems like a cakewalk. With a four-fight win streak, the 11th-ranked light heavyweight Khalil Rountree seems to be a favorite for this bout.
UFC Fight Night 233: Anthony Smith vs Khalil Rountree Jr. stats
Stats | Anthony Smith | Khalil Rountree |
Wins | 37 | 13 |
Losses | 18 | 5 |
Height | 6’4″ | 6’1″ |
Division | Light Heavyweight | Light Heavyweight |
Reach | 76″ | 76.4″ |
Age | 35 | 33 |
Anthony Smith vs Khalil Rountree Jr.: Fight breakdown and prediction
With a record of 37 wins and 18 losses, Anthony Smith stepped up to fight Rountree on short notice. Although a clear underdog, Smith does have a wide arsenal, with 19 of his wins coming by knockout and 14 by submission. Khalil Rountree Jr., on the other hand, is an established striker, with nine of his 13 wins coming out of knockouts. With explosive leg kicks and elite striking, Khalil also has an added reach advantage of almost half an inch over Anthony.
Although the Jiu-Jitsu black belt is more well-rounded on paper, the distinguishing factor consists of the leg kicks. With brutal leg-kicking techniques, Khalil happens to be a favorite to win by dominating the strike battle. Since Anthony has always struggled with legkick defense, this might be a bad matchup for the same.
As per the UFC stats, Anthony Smith currently averages 3.16 strikes per minute and absorbs 4.45 strikes per minute. In comparison, Khalil Rountree Jr. averages 3.73 strikes per minute and absorbs an average of 4.16. The Southpaw also has a higher takedown defense at 56% in comparison to the Orthodox at 49%. Anthony holds a higher takedown at 0.52 to none for Rountree and 0.65 submission attempts to 0.14 for Khalil.
The one thing that could make a difference could have been wrestling. Keeping the fight to the ground, the Muay Thai-trained fighter could struggle. Not known to be a great wrestler, but with high fight experience, the Lionheart still has to take his chances to win this bout.
Fans can expect a dominant win for Khalil, with a lot of leg kicks coming into the picture. This could lead to a possible entry into the Top 10 rankings in the light heavyweight division after UFC Fight Night 233 for the American Striker.