With Khalil Rountree Jr. losing opponent Azamat Murzakanov at UFC Austin next week, it’s longtime veteran and former title challenger Anthony Smith stepping in to replace him.
UFC President and CEO Dana White announced the news late Friday, revealing that the fight will be pushed back a week to be part of UFC Vegas 83. Smith vs. Rountree will serve as the co-main event on December 9, 2023.
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Muzakanov is suffering from pneumonia, White revealed.
“Both of these guys have serious striking power, and they bring it every single time,” the UFC’s head honcho added. “This fight’s going to be an absolute war.”
Anthony Smith (37-18), a.k.a. “Lionheart,” will enter the bout off a split decision win against Ryan Spann in his last outing. That victory snapped a two-fight skid comprised of losses to Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev.
The 35-year old Smith has made a smooth transition to the UFC’s broadcast team, working the desk between fights and as part of the promotion’s post-fight shows.
Khalil Rountree Jr. (12-5, 1NC) has won four straight fights, matching the best stretch of his pro career. He has three finishes among those four wins, and two Performance of the Night bonuses in that span.
UFC Vegas 83 is headlined by Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez, and had originally been announced for Shanghai, China before changing locations. The following bouts have been reported for the Dec. 9, 2023 Fight Night card:
- Song Yadong vs. Chris Gutiérrez
- Anthony Smith vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
- Su Mudaerji vs. Allan Nascimento
- André Muniz vs. Park Jun-yong
- Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jamie Mullarkey
- Park Hyun-sung vs. Shannon Ross
- Tatsuro Taira vs. Carlos Hernandez
- Song Kenan vs. Kevin Jousset
- Rayanne dos Santos vs. Talita Alencar
