Anthony Smith vs Khalil Rountree Jr Preview: UFC Fight Night 233
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ANTHONY SMITH VS KHALIL ROUNTREE JR FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 233? Sunday 10th December, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 233? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Las Vegas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 233? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 233 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 233? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ANTHONY SMITH VS KHALIL ROUNTREE JR LOWDOWN
Anthony Smith (37-18) steps up on short notice to replace Azamat Murzakanov. A decision he really does not need to make at this stage of his career, but he is game and hungry to make it two wins on the bounce. He last fought in August in a rematch against Ryan Spann. He submitted him back in 2021 and earnt a split decision this time around. That win came with great relief after getting TKO’d by Magomed Ankalaev (2022) and outpointed by Johnny Walker (2023).
Khalil Rountree Jr (12-5-(1)) gratefully welcomes the veteran. He is in the form of his life showing some rare consistency on his way to compiling a four-fight win streak. He reeled off vintage violent TKO’s over Modestas Bukauskas (2021) and Karl Roberson (2022) before earning a split decision over Dustin Jacoby (2022). Now, he is coming off the eighth knockout of his career which was over Chris Daukaus back in August.
ANTHONY SMITH VS KHALIL ROUNTREE JR PREDICTION
These are two of the most inconsistent fighters in the division which makes this hard to predict. On their day, they are capable of finishing everyone outside the elite, but if either of them have an off day at the APEX, Smith could get marbleized or he could submit Rountree with ease.
Rountree is a woodchipper who chews his opponents up at Muay Thai range with all eight limbs. If Smith can close the distance without getting crippled, he can take Rountree down and carve through him.
A finish is very likely and a Smith submission is a great shout considering he is the underdog. However, as soon as he steps into range, Rountree will attack his lead left leg from his southpaw stance with calf kicks and oblique kicks to the knee.
Whoever wins can make this look easy and considering Smith is is on the decline and Rountree is in great form with a speed and power advantage, we are backing him to find the knockout.
Prediction: Rountree via KO/TKO
Value bet: Smith via Submission
