Anthony Smith Stunned by Khalil Rountree Jr.’s Knockout at UFC Vegas 83
At UFC Vegas 83, a stunning turn of events unfolded as former UFC light heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith suffered a knockout loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. The match, part of the ESPN+ event, reached its climax early in the third round with Smith being overpowered by Rountree’s potent left hand.
The bout took an unexpected turn in the third round when Rountree delivered the decisive blow. Smith, 35, valiantly fought but was unable to withstand Rountree’s power. Post-match, Smith maintained a subdued demeanor, avoiding definitive statements about his future, following a recent win over Ryan Spann.
Smith, also a regular UFC analyst, accepted the fight against Rountree on short notice after Rountree’s initial opponent, Azamat Murzakanov, fell ill.
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Seizing his victory moment, Rountree called out light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, marking his fifth consecutive win in the octagon after a period of uncertainty about his championship potential.
In an Instagram post, Smith expressed his disappointment:
“Congrats to Khalil and his team. Helluva performance. You deserve it. Sorry to everyone who supports me. I gave it my all. Sometimes that’s not enough.”
This match underscores the relentless nature of MMA and how quickly a fighter’s fate can change. What do you think lies ahead for Smith after this defeat? Is this the end of an era or the beginning of a new journey for him?
