Chris Daukaus will not be competing in his anticipated light heavyweight debut against Khalil Rountree at UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada next weekend. However, his withdrawal is not injury-related and his fight with Rountree is expected to be rescheduled for a later date.

After seven appearances for the UFC in the heavyweight division, Daukaus was preparing for his first fight at 205 pounds. His heavyweight record consists of a 4-3 record, scoring impressive finishes against Shamil Abdurakhimov, Aleksei Oleinik, Rodrigo Nascimento, and Parker Porter. Unfortunately, Daukaus’ most recent three fights resulted in losses by knockout, with his most notable defeat in just 23 seconds against Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Rountree, on the other hand, is currently enjoying his best winning streak in the UFC. The runner-up from The Ultimate Fighter 23 has managed three straight victories and will certainly be looking to extend his winning run.

Despite the setback, Daukaus will likely use the extra time to regroup and make necessary improvements to his game. The UFC’s light heavyweight division is a highly competitive field full of skilled fighters, and Daukaus will need to bring his A-game when he eventually faces off against Rountree.