Anthony Smith returned to the win column with a first round submission victory over Devin Clark on Saturday night. The 34-16 UFC fighter secured a take down early in the first round and was able to secure a triangle choke to earn his first win since June 2019.

Smith Back In The Win Column After Facing Top Competition

Smith’s back to back losses set the #6 ranked LHW fighter back in 2020, but Smith finished the year strong with his win on Saturday over Devin Clark. Smith’s recent losses were to Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakić, so Anthony really needed this win to prove he is still a powerful force in the Light Heavyweight division. Sure, Clark isn’t even in the top 15 LHW rankings, but a loss on Saturday night would’ve been devastating to Lionheart’s career.

In the world of MMA it’s very easy to assume after two losses a fighter is done, but Smith has faced top competition for years now. Stepping up to headline UFC Vegas 15 after Curtis Blaydes tested positive for Covid, Smith secured the victory and used his post fight interview to make it clear he wants another crack at the title. Lionheart called out no one in particular during his talk with Paul Felder and stated he needed a couple more wins before there is any talks of a title shot.