Anthony Smith is back after picking up a vicious stoppage, and this time he is facing Ryan Spann.
The fight between the two light heavyweights was first announced by MMA reporter Marcel Dorff.
“Anthony Smith will fight Ryan Spann at UFC event on September 18th. (per Smith on UFC Live/ht: @Evzsz) #UFC#MMA#UFCESPN#MainEvent” Marcel Dorff
As a UFC behind-the-desk commentator, Anthony Smith is a multi-talented man, and his fighting has been on par with his gift of gab as of late. This will serve as the second fight for Anthony Smith in 2021. Prior to picking up his last two emphatic wins, “Lionheart” endured a painful 0-3 stretch of losses in 2020.
Before being matched up with Spann, Anthony Smith was featured on a premium spot on the UFC 261: Masvidal vs. Usman II pay-per-view. “Lionheart” seized the moment, and launched a devastating kick above Jimmy Crute’s knee, and that was all she wrote as the Australian could hardly stand on his leg after the shot. Despite hanging in the fight with one leg, ultimately the referee saw enough and put a halt to the contest.
The power of Anthony Smith’s strikes should not be underestimated, and before the Crute win, he showed why he can’t be overlooked on the ground either. Once he threw up a triangle choke in round 1 and submitted Devin Clark, most fans understood that Smith was back and looking like the old finisher he once earned a title shot with.
Initially, Spann began his UFC career on a 4 fight win streak before Johnny Walker’s spinning tactics put Spann down on the mat. The loss to Walker marks Spann’s first loss inside of the UFC. However, after a failed attempt on the Contender Series, he learned after his loss and rattled off a stellar win streak within the promotion.
If Spann can implement his wrestling, and tire the arms of Anthony Smith in the clinch, he certainly has viable paths to victory. However, will the craftiness of the veteran overwhelm Ryan “Superman” Spann?
Who do you believe will win at the UFC event on Sept. 18, will Ryan Spann or Anthony Smith take home the victory?
