Free Fight! Smith Chokes Out, Retires Gustafsson

Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images

Anthony Smith will face Glover Teixeira in the main event of the upcoming ESPN+- streamed Fight Night event, which is set to go down this Wednesday (May 13) inside VyStar Veterans memorial Arena in…

UFC Fight Night Gustafsson v Smith

Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images

Anthony Smith will face Glover Teixeira in the main event of the upcoming ESPN+– streamed Fight Night event, which is set to go down this Wednesday (May 13) inside VyStar Veterans memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

Before then, let’s take a trip down memory lane to see one of “Lionheart’s” most impressive victories over Alexander Gustafsson. In June 0f 2019. the two talented light heavyweight combatants squared off in the main event of UFC Fight Night 153 on Stockholm, Sweden. Coincidentally, enough, it was both men’s comeback fight after failing to dethrone Jon Jones from the top of the 205-pound ladder.

The fight was fairly even throughout, with both men content on letting the action play out on the feet. And it was much to the joy of fight fans in attendance and millions watching around the world, as they delivered and absorbed several of hard shots in search of the knockout win.

In round four, however, Smith took advantage of a failed take down attempt from Gustaffson, using his own momentum to gain obtain control. Immediately, Smith tried to lock in a rear-naked choke, which “The Mauler” defended well for the first minute or so. Undeterred, Smith held the choke, eventually sinking both hooks in, flattening out his foe and forcing the tap. Afterward, Gustafsson announced his retirement form MMA.

Smith, meanwhile, is still determined to get back to another title fight against Jones. First things first, though, he looks to take out a very game and experienced Glover Texiera this Wednesday in “The Sunshine State.”