In the headliner of UFC Vegas 37, we saw a showdown in the light heavyweight division. Former title challenger Anthony “Lionheart” Smith (35-16) returned and took on rising contender Ryan Spann (19-6).
Smith was looking for his third straight UFC victory tomorrow night. It’s been a rollercoaster few years for Lionheart in the UFC. After first rising through the rankings, Smith hit tough times inside the octagon. Last year he lost two very tough fights to Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakic.
After those losses, Smith’s back was against the wall and he’s won two straight since to get back on track. The last time we saw him was at UFC 261 when he stopped Jimmy Crute with a powerful leg kick.
Ryan Spann earned himself a UFC contract on The Contender Series and since then, he’s been sensational. Overall with the promotion, he’s 5-1 with the lone loss coming to Johnny Walker. If Spann can pickup the win tomorrow night, he will have shown everyone that he’s ready for the best in the division.
UFC Vegas 37 Recap
Round 1
The UFC Vegas 37 main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Smith took the center to start and landed a nice calf kick. Nice front kick to the body lands for Spann. Another low kick lands for Smith and Smith lands a right hand.
Spann gets a body lock and carries Smith over to his corner’s side of the cage. Smith is able to separate and the two have a big exchange. Spann gets dropped by Smith and Smith is all over him.
Spann is able to survive and he forces a scramble. He scrambles right into an armbar from Smith, but Smith can’t finish it. The two get back up to striking and Smith rocks Spann again with a big left hook.
Spann is extremely wobbly and he goes down again. Smith is all over him here and he takes the back of Spann. Spann gets flattened out by Smith and Smith locks in the rear naked choke and this one is over. Dominant performance by Lionheart.
Anthony Smith def. Ryan Spann by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1