Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger and current analyst Anthony Smith looked to return to the win column at UFC 301 in Brazil, where he was paired up with the hard-hitting Vitor Petrino.
Admittedly, Smith had tackled some mental struggles since his last bout but said coming into the fight that he was excited for the match-up, and to earn his first win in Brazil.
Petrino entered the fight undefeated in his pro MMA career including 4-0 in his stint in the UFC.
The fight opened with Vitor Petrino firing his jab and Smith returning with one of his own. Smith landed a leg kick before Petrino returned with a heavy body kick. Petrino was slinging hard hooks and looping punches walking Smith down. Smith was evading, popping the jab and leaning into that calf kick. Petrino was looking aggressive with his strikes with seemingly little regard with what was coming back in his direction. Two minutes into the fight and Anthony held a guillotine while Petrino was going for a double leg takedown.
Petrino decided to elevate his opponent and forcefully slam him to the canvas. Unfortunately for Petrino, Anthony Smith’s choke had now completely sunken in, partially thanks to the slam, and within seconds the Brazilian was frantically tapping.
Official Result: Anthony Smith def. Vitor Petrino via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Round 2, 2:00
