Despite Anthony Smith stepping in on short notice, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping gives him the advantage over Khalil Rountree.
After Rountree (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) lost his opponent for UFC on ESPN 52 this Saturday, he was booked against short-notice replacement Smith (37-18 MMA, 12-8 UFC) a week later at UFC Fight Night 233 on Dec. 9 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Bisping, a good friend and podcast co-host of Smith’s, lauds the former title challenger for taking the opportunity against the streaking Rountree.
“He’s rolling the dice, he’s daring to be great, he’s stepping up on short notice,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “Khalil Rountree is the real deal. He’s a tough guy. He’s got big power.”
But with Smith having fought the likes of former UFC light heavyweight champion and current heavyweight champ Jon Jones and top contender Magomed Ankalaev, he sees Smith’s experience playing a big factor. He also thinks “Lionheart” has the well rounded skillset to prevail.
“You’ve got to favor Anthony in that,” Bisping continued. “He’s fought better competition, he’s been around longer, he’s got bags of experience. I think striking wise, he can more than handle himself on the feet against Khalil.
“In the grappling department, I think Anthony is leaps and bounds ahead of him. But hey, it’s a fight. He’s stepping up on short notice. I’m assuming he’s been in the gym, and he’s been training otherwise he wouldn’t do it. Anthony takes his career very seriously.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 233.
