This September, #6 ranked Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann will face off in a light heavyweight showdown. Former title contender, Smith looks to extend his streak after winning his last two recent fights. Opposing him is #11 ranked Spann who also looks to chase another win after taking down Misha Cirkunov during his latest fight. Which of these top #15 fighters will take the victory?
Smith has bounced back and picked up his momentum after a pair of skid losses against Teixeira and Rakic. Since then, he came back stronger and picked up a pair of impressive wins during his most recent fights and defeated Devin Clark and Jimmy Crute. Clark was defeated by submission and Crute via KO/TKO. Since 2019 Smith has fought in the heavy lightweight division, but previously fought in the middleweight division since 2008.
Can Smith defeat Spann and get back into title fight contention?
On the other side of the Octagon Spann (aka “Superman”) also looks to do the same. His 5-1 UFC record holds strong with four of his five wins coming by way of knockout or submission. His last fight earned him Performance of the Night after he knocked out Circkunov in about a minute during the opening round.
Overall he’s only clocked two losses to Karl Roberson during his UFC debut and Johnny Walker. So far Spann has defeated the likes of Sam Alvey, Luis Henrique, Devin Clark and Emiliano Sordi.
Can Spann add Smith to his knock out list too?