Fight Night: Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus Picks and Predictions

Chris Daukaus' career is on the downswing and he'll look to pump some life back into it with his bout against Khalil Rountree. With that said, our UFC betting picks don't expect Daukaus to last very long on Saturday.

Khalil Rountree and Chris Daukaus face off in a light heavyweight bout as a featured undercard attraction of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card coming this Saturday, August 12, from The Apex in Las Vegas.

Rountree is building momentum with a three-fight streak, and his next challenge is the former heavyweight Daukaus who hopes to resurrect his career down the scales.

UFC odds favor Rountree at -180 with Daukaus coming in at +150. Here are my free picks and predictions for Rountree vs.Daukaus at UFC Fight Night from Nashville.

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus fight odds

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus method of victory odds

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus picks

Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

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Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus betting preview

Khalil Rountree looks to be back on track after a rough 2-3 stretch that cooled off his hype train. While he may not have deserved the split decision nod against Dustin Jacoby in his previous fight, Rountree is showing signs of growth. There is potential in Rountree, but time isn’t on his side at 33. It’s time for him to turn the corner while he’s still in his athletic prime. 

A vicious striker known for his brutal kicks, Rountree fights with bad intentions and has significant stopping power. He has seven knockouts in 11 wins and doesn’t stop bringing the pressure. Daukaus may carry the physical advantages, but Rountree is on the upswing and is going to take the fight right to the transplanted heavyweight.

Daukaus went from being a prospect of interest to a mid-to-low-tier heavyweight in short order. 

Seemingly undersized and unable to absorb damage, Daukaus is shrinking to light heavyweight after three consecutive stoppage losses. It couldn’t have come against a tougher opponent, being that Rountree is strong and agile.  

If Daukaus’ chin can hold up, he can use his fast hands and physical size to make an impact. He lands 6.41 significant strikes per minute, and Rountree can fall behind if he doesn't overwhelm his opponents early. 

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus tale of the tape

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Chris Daukaus UFC prediction and best bet

Fight prediction: Rountree ML

Maybe bettors are influenced by Paul Craig’s successful drop to middleweight last month, but Daukaus is nowhere near the competitor Craig is. Daukaus is in for a rough night. 

Rountree can take a few shots before he lands his own, but Daukaus was never a lights-out striker at heavyweight. Even so, dropping weight won't solve his chin issues. 

He needs to establish early pressure while avoiding Daukaus' swarm and will likely target Daukaus’ legs and body to force his hands to drop. Daukaus needs to keep his hands up but eventually must engage underfire to avoid Rountree from kicking his legs from under him.

There could have been another fighter for Daukaus to come in against; this isn’t one he’s likely to win. The call is Rountree winning his fourth in a row.

Prediction: Rountree moneyline (-180 at DraftKings)

Fight best bet: Rountree by KO/TKO/DQ in R1

I don’t see how Rountree’s aggression and power won’t eventually crack Daukaus’ chin. It just seems inevitable, and Daukaus wasn’t getting blasted out by fighters as athletic as Rountree. Even if the size advantage gives him a little more damage resistance, the writing is on the wall for a stoppage.

Daukaus might get Rountree if he rushes him to steal the initiative, but if he fails in his initial offensive, he’s going to be diced up. I’m going with Rountree to score a first-round stoppage.

Pick: Rountree to win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 (+150 at DraftKings)