Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream UFC 269 live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. Smith was a multiple-time world championship kickboxer who befriended ground specialist Frank Shamrock—together, they formed The Alliance—and unknowingly provided one of the blueprints to the cross-training methods that now dominate modern mixed martial arts. The Seattle native made his Octagon debut at UFC 14, where, despite his middling 5-7 record, he challenged the heavily favored Mark Coleman for the undisputed heavyweight championship on July 27, 1997.
Maurice Smith remains one of MMA’s most overlooked pioneers. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight titleholder turns 60 on Dec. 13.
This Month’s MMA Birthdays: Maurice Smith Turns 60
