Anthony Smith sent a loud-and-clear message to Ryan Spann: Gate closed.
“Lionheart” blocked Spann’s path to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s light heavyweight elite, as he submitted the Fortis MMA export with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their UFC Fight Night 192 headliner on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Spann (19-7, 5-2 UFC) conceded defeat 3:47 into Round 1.
Smith (36-16, 11-6 UFC) floored the former Legacy Fighting Alliance champion with a left hook, jumped into top position and threatened with an armbar before returning to an upright position.