Get ready for the rematch between Ryan Spann and Anthony Smith in the UFC. Discover five key things to know about this exciting fight and their intense rivalry. Don’t miss out!
Ryan Spann is gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against Anthony Smith in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The fight, scheduled for August 26 in Kallang, Singapore, will give Spann the opportunity to avenge his previous loss and continue his ascent in the light heavyweight division rankings.
Here are five key points to know about this exciting matchup:
1. A Long-Awaited Rematch
Spann (36-18) and Smith (21-8) first faced off during UFC Vegas 37, where Smith secured a victory by submission in the first round. Smith applied a rear-naked choke, forcing Spann to tap out. Prior to the submission, Smith had already dropped Spann with a powerful left hand to the head. Smith, currently ranked No. 8 in the UFC Light Heavyweight Rankings, will be looking to solidify his position with another win, while Spann aims to turn the tables and claim victory this time.
2. Texas Ties
Both fighters have strong connections to Texas. Spann, a graduate of Ozen High School, trained at the Golden Triangle Gym in Beaumont. Smith, 35, was born in Corpus Christi. Although Spann now trains in Dallas, he still proudly represents Beaumont. Spann rose to prominence in 2018 after winning Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender series, earning him a spot in the UFC.
3. Intense Rivalry
There is no love lost between Spann and Smith. Following their first fight, Smith taunted Spann by trash talking and standing over him. The tension escalated to the point where security had to intervene and separate the fighters. Smith expressed his displeasure with comments made by Spann’s camp leading up to the bout, adding fuel to the fire for their upcoming rematch.
4. Redemption for Both Fighters
Both Spann and Smith are hungry for a victory after their recent losses. Spann had an impressive record, winning 9 out of his last 11 fights since 2017, until he was defeated by Nikita Krylov in March. Similarly, Smith has faced setbacks, losing consecutive fights following his win against Spann in 2021. His most recent defeat came in a decision loss to Johnny Walker in May. Both fighters will be determined to bounce back and prove themselves in this pivotal rematch.
5. The Singapore Factor
The fight will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, making it a significant journey for both competitors. Spann has previous experience fighting abroad, having won two fights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2018. Smith, on the other hand, has fought in various international locations, including Canada, Brazil, Germany, and Sweden. The impact of the long trip on their performance remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for this highly anticipated rematch between Ryan Spann and Anthony Smith, as they battle it out in the octagon to determine their future in the light heavyweight division.
