Anthony Smith Submits Vitor Petrino in UFC 301, Earns Crucial Victory

In a critical light heavyweight showdown at UFC 301, Anthony Smith clashed with Vitor Petrino in a high-stakes battle aiming to solidify his position in the division. The tenth-ranked veteran, Anthony Smith, faced off against the undefeated rising star, Vitor Petrino, in a bout that could have significant implications on the light heavyweight rankings.

Entering the octagon with an unblemished record, Petrino stood at 11-0 and was on a remarkable winning streak since earning a UFC contract on The Contender Series. Going into UFC 301, Petrino had high hopes of breaking into the rankings and continuing his impressive run.

On the other side, Anthony Smith was looking to turn the tide after a challenging stretch, marked by a record of 1-3 in his last four fights. Lionheart made it clear that he wouldn’t be a stepping stone for anyone and exuded confidence leading up to the showdown with Petrino.

The action at UFC 301 started off with a customary glove touch, as Smith and Petrino engaged in a tactical battle from the opening bell. Smith initiated some forward pressure early on, countering Petrino’s jabs with well-timed strikes of his own. Both fighters showcased their skills, with Petrino landing sharp jabs and Smith responding with powerful kicks and combinations.

As the fight progressed, Petrino upped the ante with a relentless offensive display, landing a series of strikes to keep Smith on the defensive. A pivotal moment arrived when Petrino attempted a takedown, only to fall into a tight guillotine choke from Smith. Unable to escape the submission, Petrino was forced to tap out, handing Anthony Smith a crucial victory at UFC 301.