MMA Preview – Khalil Rountree Jr vs Chris Daukaus at UFC on ESPN 51
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
KHALIL ROUNTREE JR VS CHRIS DAUKAUS FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 51? Sunday 6th August, 2023 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 51? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 51? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 51 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 51? 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!
KHALIL ROUNTREE JR VS CHRIS DAUKAUS LOWDOWN
Khalil Rountree (11-5(1)) had a rare consistent year in 2022. Losses to Ion Cutelaba (2019) and Marcin Prachnio (2021) left him doubting his love of the game, but he has flipped the switch and looked near his best by TKOing Modestas Bukauskas (2021) and Karl Roberson (2022). He then met fellow striker Dustin Jacoby (2022) who was on a nine-fight unbeaten streak and stopped the run in a razor thin split decision.
He now welcomes Chris Daukaus (12-6) to the light heavyweight division. He was slugging it out up at heavyweight and ignited his UFC career with four straight knockouts. However, he has been savagely knocked out in his last three bouts, so the smart thing to do, is to take on another violent knockout artist.
KHALIL ROUNTREE JR VS CHRIS DAUKAUS PREDICTION
The UFC clearly want to see if there is anything left of Daukaus’ chin, but nonetheless, this is a mouthwatering match-up. The Philly native was sparking out heavyweights for fun with his speed and power, so if he can make the 205 mark, he could be an absolute force.
He is making his light heavyweight debut against one of its most lethal strikers in the division, so we could see fireworks inside the APEX. Rountree has become a Muay Thai specialist and Daukaus is a sound and accurate boxer so expect Rountree to try and maintain the distance with his kicks.
He will utilize his teep and side kicks to the knee to prevent Daukaus stepping into range and unleashing his hands. If either of them connect clean they are in trouble, but if Daukaus can leverage his weight advantage, he can slow Rountree down in the clinch.
However, we have not seen any of his grappling skills inside the octagon and we feel Rountree’s speed and kicks swing this in his favour. That said he is never a smart pick as a heavy favourite as he is so inconsistent. Daukaus holds all of the value considering the odds, especially if he calls upon his grappling but this is a tough stylistic match-up for him.
Prediction: Rountree via Decision
Value bet: Daukaus via KO/TKO
