Devonte Smith was making his debut in his home state of Colorado on Saturday night, and he did so in style, scoring a big knockout finish of Julian Erosa early in the first round of their lightweight fight.
Kicking off the televised prelims from UFC Denver, the UFC’s 25th anniversary show, lightweights Julian Erosa and Devonte Smith were set to clash for three rounds or less. Smith, a Colorado native, got the hero’s welcome from the crowd. Not only was he the hometown hero, mind you, but Smith was also making his UFC debut on the night.
Erosa connected with leg kicks early, while Smith worked to puzzle out the height and (slight) reach advantage Erosa possessed. It didn’t take long. Within moments, Smith connected, dropping Julian Erosa to the canvas. A counter left on the jaw as Erosa attacked with another leg kick sealed the deal. Erosa, stunned, tried to defend but the pummeling that followed for the ref to wave off the action.
Welcome to the UFC, @K_O_E_KingKage! #UFCDenver pic.twitter.com/fahdQwVgnS
— UFC (@ufc) November 11, 2018
“Ross Pearson, I’m on your heels boy. I want work, you got it, let’s go!” called out after the fight, looking for a second fight just moments after winning his first in the UFC.
Devonte Smith def. Julian Erosa by knockout, Round 1, 0:46
