The Lionhearted Vs. The Superman

This Saturday September 18th The UFC has a spectacular showdown between Light Heavyweights Anthony “Lionheart” Smith Vs. Ryan “Superman” Spann. These fighters are both in the top 15 in the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings Smith sits at 6 while Spann is number 11. As of right now Smith is trying get back into titled contention, he fell short in his first attempt challenging for the belt. Since than he’s won 3 out of his last 5 coming up short against top 5 contenders like Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakic. Since his back to back losses he’s been on a two fight winning streak and trying to extend it to three this Saturday night against Ryan Spann. If Smith can get it done September 18th he will be one step closer to challenging for the title again. On the other hand Ryan Spann is looking to get one step closer to breaking into the top 5 and getting closer to a title shot. He’s looked very impressive in recent bouts; in his past ten fights he’s only lost once to the likes of Johnny Walker and was winning that fight on the verge of knocking Walker out but made a tiny mistake that cost him the fight. Spann looked unbeatable in his last fight against Misha Cirkunov, knocking him out in the first round. These fighters both have something to lose and both have something to gain from this fight.

The match will be very interesting to watch because of their fighting styles. Anthony Smith is the more well rounded fighter having better striking and jiu jitsu also being the more seasoned fighter with having 51 MMA bouts compared to Spann’s 25. He has a Muay Thai stance with an impeccable clinch while also being good at working on his back, being able to throw up triangle chokes and secure submissions. He’s a Bjj black belt while Spann is a blue belt. While Spann is only a blue belt compared to Smiths Black belt he has 11 submission wins. He is more than capable of rolling and scrambling with Smith on the ground. Spann also has a lighting bolt jab that is very dangerous. If he’s able to pressure Smith with his jab and knock off his rhythm I think it’ll be a long night for Smith. In the past it sometimes seemed like Anthony Smith did not want to be in the cage fighting like he mentally checked out, when that happens he loses in devastating fashion. When Smith decides to be focused and apply pressure he’s a world beater. I see Smith trying to apply pressure pushing Spann against the cage and getting into clinch situations while attempting takedowns. I see Spann keeping his distance while using his impressive jab and trying not to get into a clinch warfare and if he does end up in clinch situations he’s definitely going to look for Smith’s neck and try to pull guard into a guillotine choke. Very excited for this match expecting a great fight.