3. Anthony Smith vs. Ryan Spann (UFC Fight Night 192)
On September 18, 2021, in the light heavyweight main event at UFC Fight Night 192, Anthony Smith delivered an impressive first-round submission victory over Ryan Spann. Spann started the fight aggressively, securing a body lock and controlling Smith against the cage. However, Smith turned the tide with powerful strikes, rocking Spann multiple times. After dropping Spann with a punch, Smith quickly took his back, flattened him out, and locked in a rear-naked choke. Spann tapped out at 3:47 of Round 1, earning Smith his 36th career win and improving his UFC record to 11-6.
2. Anthony Smith vs. Volkan Oezdemir (UFC Fight Night 138)
In a thrilling light heavyweight main event on October 27, 2018, Anthony Smith faced Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Fight Night 138 in Moncton, Canada. Oezdemir controlled much of the first two rounds with low kicks, clinch work, and ground control. However, Smith showed his resilience and turned the fight around in the third round. After securing a takedown and taking Oezdemir’s back, Smith locked in a rear-naked choke at 4:26, forcing Oezdemir to tap. The victory marked Smith's third consecutive win, improving his record to 31-13 and making a strong case for a title shot.
1. Anthony Smith vs. Alexander Gustafsson (UFC Fight Night 153)
Perhaps the most defining moment of Anthony Smith’s career came on June 1, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 153 in Stockholm, Sweden, when he faced former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson. Gustafsson initially controlled the fight with lateral movement, leg kicks, and jabs. However, Smith pressed forward with powerful counterattacks and heavy right hands. In the fourth round, after a clinch and a scramble, Smith gained Gustafsson's back and locked in a rear-naked choke. Gustafsson was forced to tap at 2:38 of Round 4, giving Smith one of the biggest victories of his career and solidifying his place among the elite in the light heavyweight division.
