An explosive co-main event is coming up soon in the UFC Fight Night 233, which is a light heavyweight battle between eighth-ranked Anthony Smith and 11^th-ranked Khalil Rountree on Saturday, December 9 in Las Vegas. Rountree is currently the moderate moneyline favorite to win at -210.

Smith was able to break his recent two-fight losing skid in his last fight. This was a split decision win over Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night 225 in August earlier this year, which was the second time in a row that he has defeated him.  He has an enormous 37-win resume, which consists of 20 knockouts, 14 submissions, and three decisions. He has also established 20 first round fishes. Out of his 18 losses, 10 have come by knockout.

“Lionheart” strikes with an accurate rate of 48 percent and lands takedowns 29 percent of the time. His significant strike ratio is lacking a bit, as he delivers 3.16 significant strikes each minute of action but absorbs 4.45.

Smith defends a little bit less than average. Against significant strikes, he defends at a rate of 46 percent and against takedowns at 49 percent. He also throws in 0.52 takedowns and 0.65 submissions each 15 minutes of fight time.

Rountree has been successful in his last four fights and is aiming to improve in the rankings with a win here. His previous successful encounter was a first round TKO over Chris Daukaus at UFC on ESPN 51 in August.

He has put together 12 wins so far, consisting of eight knockouts and four decisions. Seven of these victories have resulted in first round finishes. He also has five losses, with two each coming by knockout and decision.

“The War Horse” strikes with an accuracy at 39 percent, but lacks any success with takedowns. He delivers 3.73 significant strikes, but takes on 4.16. This ratio is not favorable, which is similar to Smith’s.

Rountree defends against significant strikes at 51 percent and defends against takedowns at 56 percent. He does not actively pursue much ground action per 15 minutes of fight time.

MyBookie offers the odds for this light heavyweight showdown, which reveals Khalil Rountree as a moderate favorite. Bettors should add Rountree to a parlay with other fights on the night or consider a prop bet if wagering on Rountree to potentially earn more than the moneyline.

Both fighters have good knockout power and can end a fight early. Smith is arguably on his downward side of his career, while Rountree is making a solid run in the division.