UFC Moncton: Anthony Smith Submits Volkan Oezdemir; MIsha Cirkunov, Michael Johnson Win, Full Fight Video Highlights

UFC Moncton wasn’t a high profile card by any stretch, but if could have decided who was next in line for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

#10 Anthony Smith exploded onto the UFC light heavweight scene, and wanted to earn a title shot against a former title challenger of his own in #2 Volkan Oezdemir. Oezdemir made Smith feel his power early in the fight on his way to taking the first round. While Smith found more success in round two, it was the third in which Smith’s cardio gained him the fight. After a flurry of strikes, Smith dragged down Oezdemir and locked on a body triangle.

Smith’s win gives him his third win over a former UFC Champion or title challenger in under five months after beating Oezdemir, Shogun Rua and retiring Rashad Evans. Smith asked for a title shot after the win. 

#11 Misha Cirkunov looks to work his way back up a newly busy 205 pound division, and did so by submitting #14 Patrick Cummins. Cirkunov’s first round arm triangle halted a two-fight losing streak, while putting Cummins on one of his own. Cummins will hope to retain his spot in the top-15, while Gian Villante (who beat Ed Herman on the card) hopes to re-enter the rankings.

Elsewhere on the show, former perennial top-10 lightweight Michael Johnson stepped in on short notice (and one pound overweight) to take on Conor McGregor’s training partner in Artem Lobov after Zubaira Tukhugov was pulled from the fight due to his participation in the UFC 229 brawl. Michael Johnson utilized his superior striking technique to earn himself a unanimous decision victory.

You can see our full UFC Moncton coverage and results at this link, and make sure to check out our post-show podcast at this link.