Anthony Smith moved one fight closer to another shot at the UFC light heavyweight title earlier tonight (Sat., Sept. 18, 2021) at UFC Vegas 37 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when “Lionheart” sliced through talented contender Ryan Spann via first-round submission (rear-naked choke).
Spann came out the more aggressive fighter and started to press “Lionheart.” Spann’s shots got a little too wild and Smith was able to counter with big punches that had “Superman” hurt on multiple occasions. Smith was able to gain back control towards the end of the first round and sink in the rear-naked choke. Spann fought the hands for a second or two before tapping. Smith and Spann seemed to have words after the stoppage and security needed to rush into the Octagon to break things up.
Check out the video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:
Spotlight is on Superman ?
[ @Superman_Spann | #UFCVegas37 ] pic.twitter.com/78wiYrHS5w
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Main event number 8?? for @LionheartASmith ? #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/P53kNUX4Xz
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Heavy shot lands for @lionheartasmith #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/SQL3krZpsm
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 19, 2021
Y arranco esta guerra!!!! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/XY2SYObhrn
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) September 19, 2021
No quieren otra cosa sino la finalización desde round 1 #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/ocxN76JCbT
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) September 19, 2021
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
@LionheartASmith is heated and wants his RESPECT! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/GHx9MsxIBV
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
For complete UFC Vegas 37 results and coverage click HERE.