Saturday’s UFC Fight Night features an exciting light heavyweight bout between Anthony Smith and Khalil Rountree Jr. as the co-main event. This matchup is set to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada for the UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Gutiérrez.
Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith, also known as “Lionheart,” boasts an impressive record of 37-18-0. At 35 years old, Smith brings a wealth of experience into the octagon. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 205 lbs, he has a reach of 76 inches and is known for his striking ability, connecting on 3.16 significant strikes per minute with a 48% accuracy. Smith is also a versatile fighter with a notable finish rate of nearly 92% in his professional MMA career. In his last fight, Smith secured a split decision victory over Ryan Spann. Smith has taken this fight on less than two weeks’ notice. A win here over Rountree Jr will only cement his position in the division’s top 10 and put him in a potential title fight-eliminator in his next bout.
Khalil Rountree Jr.
Khalil Rountree Jr., on the other hand, comes into this fight with a record of 13-5-0 (1 NC). The 33-year-old southpaw, standing at 6’1″ and also weighing 205 lbs with a reach of 76 inches, is known for his striking prowess, landing 3.73 significant strikes per minute at a 38% accuracy. Rountree Jr. has won four of his last fights, including three finishes and two Performance of the Night bonuses. His striking, particularly his oblique kicks, has been a key aspect of his fighting style, as he scored a nasty TKO over Modestas Bukauskas back in 2021. He is known for his aggressive fighting style and unique soccer-style kicks to his opponents’ bodies when they’re down.
Fight Analysis
This bout presents a clash between Smith’s well-rounded skills, grappling prowess and Rountree Jr.’s striking ability. While Rountree Jr. is a formidable striker, his wrestling skills are seen as a potential weakness. Smith, with his higher finish rate and experience, might look to exploit this by taking the fight to the ground. Rountree Jr.’s takedown defence, at 56%, will be tested against Smith’s more diverse skill set. Given the fighters’ histories of performance bonuses and finishes, the fight is expected to be a real thriller.
Fight Result & Highlights
Round 1 – Cagey and exciting first round between Anthony Smith and Khalil Rountree Jr. Both men landing heavy kicks and heavy hands. The most significant shot of the round comes at the end of the round. A left-hook counter from Rountree Jr hits homje and Smith is forced to take a step back. We go to the second.
Round 2 – Huge elbow from Smith momentarily stuns Rountree Jr. Then a counter right hand from Rountree Jr hurts ‘Lionheart’. Smith is visibly hurt but continues to push forward. The speed on the counters is causing Anthony Smith some trouble but Smith continues to stay right in Rountree Jr’s face. We head into the final round.
Round 3 – He’s done it AGAIN!!! Khalil Rountree Jr is on a tear right now. It’s a right-uppercut followed by a left-cross which completely rattles Anthony to his core. His equilibrium is completely gone and he topples to the ground. Credit to Khalil Rountree Jr, who doesn’t jump in to land any unnecessary shots and allows the referee to jump in and stop the bout. Fun fight. Smith showed heart. Rountree Jr shows why he is such a dangerous fight for anyone as he claims his biggest scalp to date.
Official Result: Khalil Rountree Jr defeats Anthony Smith via TKO in Round 3
Highlights:
Featured highlights credit to the UFC.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
