At UFC Vegas 37 Anthony Smith annihilated the #11-ranked Ryan Spann in the main event.
Smith reminded the light heavyweight division of the pecking order at UFC Vegas 37. “Lionheart” had one of the strongest performances of his career after going toe-to-toe with “Superman”.
The fight only lasted one round. Although, it was a memorable one as Smith picked Spann apart and sealed the victory with a rear-naked choke. The 33-year old had his way with Spann on the feet and hurt him several times with his improved jabs and left-hand straights.
Official decision: Anthony Smith (36-16) defeats Ryan Spann (19-7) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) #UFC #UFCVegas37pic.twitter.com/LCLSs35pQp
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) September 19, 2021
Spann’s biggest strike of the night came when he launched a nasty knee to the solar plexus of Smith. “Lionheart” appeared to shrug it off and the fight seemed to be trending toward Smith scoring a TKO. Then, in a wild scramble on the ground, an arm-bar got slapped on by Smith with Spann escaping it in the nick of time. Though, the grappling of Smith proved to be too much for Spann as the 52-fight veteran got the job done with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
This win expands Smith’s winning streak to three in the light heavyweight division. The list of names on his current streak includes Devin Clark, Jimmy Crute, and Spann–all of which resulted in a finish victory.
After the big win, the #3-ranked Aleksandar Rakić was calling for a second fight with Smith to reaffirm his claim for UFC gold. In Smith’s post-fight interview he accepted Rakić’s offer to meet in December.
I'm free in December @Mickmaynard2
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) September 19, 2021
Prior to Smith’s win, he expressed interest in a rematch with Rakić. The two first met in August of 2020 with Rakić winning by neutralizing Smith for the majority of the fight.
The co-main event featured Ion Cutelaba defeating Devin Clark. The fight was particularly violent, and when Clark was seen in the corner discussing if he should continue with his coach/father, even with his bottom teeth missing and/or pushed in, Clark continued on. The light-heavyweight had a solid third round with the newly reformed and calculated Cutelaba.
Official decision: Ion Cuțelaba (16-6-1, 1 NC) defeats Devin Clark (12-6) via Unanimous Decision #UFC #UFCVegas37pic.twitter.com/Gb4Xx88McV
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) September 19, 2021
The light heavyweight known for his hot-headedness got back in the win column with a dominant win after going to a draw with Dustin Jacoby in May of last year.
Pros React To Anthony Smith’s Destruction Of Ryan Spann
Anthony’s hands have been super crispy last two fights
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 19, 2021
I like angry smith
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 19, 2021
I have no problem with the way Anthony Smith just acted when you talk all that shit and you get beat the way Ryan Spann just got beat we don’t need to shake hands and hug Anthony is an OG and do not play. Really was an easy night for @lionheartasmith great job!!!#UFCVegas37
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 19, 2021
“Merry Christmas to me”
😂 love it!— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 19, 2021
🦁 ❤️ got me back in the game. So grateful for this guy and so inspired by his success! We are cut from the same cloth 💯 #UFCvegas37
— Dustin Jacoby (@thehanyakdj) September 19, 2021
That’s what’s up @lionheartasmith. Beautiful display of skills and violence. ⚔️
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) September 19, 2021
Anthony Smith is on another level tonight 🔥🔥 Spann had some tight defense but it didn't last #UFCVegas37
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) September 19, 2021
What a start to the main event! And Smith gets the sub! Sheesh! Smith is amped! #UFCVegas37
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 19, 2021
Smith looked great. Umm can we get subtitles at least with the curse words edited out! Now, I don’t know what he said 😂 #UFCVegas37
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 19, 2021
What did you make of the performance of Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 37?
