The UFC Vegas 37 main event featured a light heavyweight bout between Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann. Smith took the win via submission – Rear Naked Choke – in the first round; but it was his punching power and precision which made the difference earlier.
SMITH VS. SPANN: A REAR NAKED CHOKE FINISH
The first round began with Smith landing a heavy low kick and with Spann returning the favor with a front kick, as well as a jab. The two athletes then exchanged big strikes; Smith ultimately drops Spann to the canvas with a great punch. He then tries to set up a choke, but Spann manages to escape… And not only that – but he lands a huge knee strike to Smith’s chest! Ryan then lands a right hand, but Anthony returns with his left – rocking him yet again.
After that, Anthony follows up with yet another punch, which brings Ryan to the ground. Then, Anthony ends the match with a beautiful combination; he takes Ryan’s back, hammer-punches him viciously, and flattens him out. He locks in a Rear Naked Choke successfully and gets the win.
After literally being carried across the Octagon Smith DROPS Spann 😱 #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/5gWBCHfhFK
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Things got a bit heated after the fight, as Smith delivered some words for Spann following the submission. The referee and team members separated them, and after the two fighters had a chance to cool down – they squashed their beef.
Tensions were high initially, but @lionheartasmith and @Superman_Spann shook hands after their #UFCVegas37 fight 🤝 pic.twitter.com/4xEw8Qc1qF
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 19, 2021
