In an intense co-main event at UFC Singapore, Anthony Smith had to dig deep to overcome a gruesome eye injury and secure a split decision win against Ryan Spann.
For Smith, a former UFC title contender, the path to victory was far from smooth sailing. He had a strong start, demonstrating exceptional stand-up skills, but a devastating blow from Spann in the second round almost cost him his vision. Despite the horrific swelling that nearly sealed his eye shut, Smith managed to withstand Spann’s relentless attacks and countered with a commanding performance in striking, particularly as they wrapped up the third round, which ultimately clinched the win for him.
Smith managed to sway two judges to score the bout 29-28 in his favor, while the third judge sided with Spann, giving him a 29-28 score. Despite the split, this was enough for Smith to claim the win, halting a two-fight losing streak in its tracks.
Discussing the eye injury that had him compromised, Smith said, “It practically obscured my vision for a portion of that round. I had to refocus and decide that I wasn’t about to tap out.”
He also had some words for his opponent, stating, “Ryan Spann is formidable. Shoutout to him. While the custom is to call someone out at this point, I’d rather just head home.”
Smith kicked off the match on a high note, setting an aggressive tempo with heavy punches and an array of leg kicks, one of which even toppled Spann. Additionally, Smith dominated in ground combat during a grappling exchange, although Spann managed to hold on long enough to avert a repeat of their initial face-off, in which he had tapped out.
However, the tides turned dramatically in the second round. Spann unleashed a combo that culminated in a left hook, landing squarely on Smith’s eye and causing him to stumble back before hitting the canvas. Spann then pounced, looking for the knockout finish.
Smith showcased an immense amount of grit as he endured Spann’s assault. He managed to regain his footing and even took a moment to wipe the blood from his swollen eye. Between rounds, he was able to recuperate sufficiently, thanks to timely medical attention, which empowered him to bring some extra zest into the concluding minutes of the fight.
In the final round, both warriors exchanged hard-hitting shots, but Smith’s edge lay in his persistence with leg kicks and his ability to land cleaner and more effective strikes. Although the victory was hard-fought, Smith had done just enough to snag it. Meanwhile, a visibly disheartened Spann was left to grapple with the frustration of a second defeat at the hands of the seasoned 55-fight veteran.
With this win, Smith breaks his losing streak and reinstates himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, marking his first victory since 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anthony Smith UFC Singapore Victory
What was the main highlight of the UFC Singapore co-main event between Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann?
The main highlight was Anthony Smith’s remarkable resilience. Despite suffering a severe eye injury that nearly closed his eye and compromised his vision, Smith managed to eke out a split decision victory over Ryan Spann.
Who won the co-main event at UFC Singapore?
Anthony Smith won the co-main event at UFC Singapore, defeating Ryan Spann by a split decision. Two of the judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Smith, while the third scored it 29-28 for Spann.
How did Anthony Smith sustain his eye injury?
Smith’s eye injury occurred in the second round when Ryan Spann unleashed a combination of strikes that ended with a left hook to Smith’s eye. This led to significant swelling and temporary vision impairment for Smith.
Was this Anthony Smith’s first win in a while?
Yes, this victory marks Anthony Smith’s first win since 2021 and effectively snaps his two-fight losing streak.
What strategy did Anthony Smith employ to win the fight?
Smith started strong with effective striking and leg kicks that unsettled Spann. Even after his eye injury, Smith demonstrated grit by enduring Spann’s attacks and countering with strong stand-up performance, particularly in the third round.
How did Ryan Spann perform in the fight?
Ryan Spann had a notable performance, especially with the combination of strikes that led to Smith’s eye injury in the second round. Despite this, he could not capitalize on Smith’s compromised state and ultimately lost by a split decision.
What’s next for Anthony Smith in the light heavyweight division?
While it’s unclear what exactly is next for Smith, this win certainly re-establishes him as a formidable contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
What did Anthony Smith say about his eye injury?
Smith mentioned that the injury practically blinded him for a portion of the second round, but he decided not to tap out and fought through the impairment to win the match.
What was the audience’s reaction to the fight?
The text does not provide information on the audience’s reaction, but given the high-stakes nature of the fight and Smith’s remarkable comeback, it’s likely that the fight was well-received.
More about Anthony Smith UFC Singapore Victory
- Anthony Smith’s UFC Profile
- Ryan Spann’s UFC Profile
- UFC Singapore Event Summary
- UFC Light Heavyweight Rankings
- Real-time Fight Stats and Analysis
- History of Anthony Smith’s Career
- History of Ryan Spann’s Career
- Medical Aspects of Eye Injuries in MMA
- UFC Rules and Regulations
- Post-Fight Interviews and Reactions
10 comments
is it just me or do MMA fighters have like, superhuman pain tolerance? Smith got smacked right in the eye and still pulled it off. Unreal.
This was like something outta a movie. Really thought Smith was gonna tap out after that eye injury. The drama, the suspense, loved it!
Judging by the numbers, Smith really pulled out all the stops in the 3rd round. The stats don’t lie, he earned that win.
The real winer? Us, the fans. This fight had everything, even its own ‘eye of the tiger’ moment. Rock on, Smith!
seen a lotta fights in my time but this one’s for the books. Smith and Spann, take a bow, you just made history.
Man, what a fight! Anthony Smith is made of steel or something. Eye almost shut and he still fights like a beast. Respect!
anyone else worried bout long term injuries here? That eye looked nasty. Hope he gets it checked.
Spann had his moments, y’know? Almost thought he had Smith there in the 2nd. Kinda feel for the guy.
Honestly, how can anyone not root for Smith after this? Dude’s a warrior. Ryan Spann ain’t no joke either. They both went to war!
This was better than any final boss battle in a video game lol. Both fighters were epic but Smith, man, that guy’s next level.