UFC Vegas 37 Highlights: Anthony Smith Quickly Dispatches Ryan Spann
UFC Vegas 37 really failed to deliver, and instead offered up many uncompetitive one-sided fights, and a lack of drama involved in most of the card. It was a card with some decent highlights though, so check out all the of them after the jump.
Anthony Smith def. Ryan Spann via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 1 3:47)
In a night full of uncompetitive matches, Anthony Smith put a quick stop to the main event by choking out Ryan Spann. Smith scored a couple of knockdowns and almost scored a highlight reel arm-bar finish before settling for the more standard rear-naked choke finish. Post-fight the trash talk between Smith and Spann looked like it was going to continue and boil over, before security broke them up. In the post-fight interview, Smith declared his desire to fight Aleksandar Rakic, to which Rakic has apparently agreed.
Main event number 8️⃣ for @LionheartASmith — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/P53kNUX4Xz
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Spotlight is on Superman
[ @Superman_Spann #UFCVegas37 ] pic.twitter.com/78wiYrHS5w— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
— Five rounds at LHW!
Your main event starts NOW on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/3plD7RyNAq
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
After literally being carried across the Octagon Smith DROPS Spann — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/5gWBCHfhFK
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
LIONHEART WITH A STATEMENT!!! — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/BLbybLNbwK
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
— @LionheartASmith is heated and wants his RESPECT! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/GHx9MsxIBV
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
STATEMENT. MADE.
[ @LionheartASmith #UFCVegas37 ] pic.twitter.com/Di4SNXQQfs— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Ion Cutelaba def. Devin Clark via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-26, 29-27)
Devin Clark showed incredible toughness to reach the final bell in a bout that Ion Cutelaba absolutely dominated. The first round was one of the clearest 10-8 rounds you’ll ever see, with Clark being saved by the bell at the end of the round. Then in each of the next two rounds, Cutelaba got to full mount, and dealt brutal punishment from top position, but couldn’t get the finish. Questionable judging, but the right guy certainly got the nod.
You’re not going to want to miss this one. @ICutelaba vs @BrownbearC live NOW on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/fpGkDnn3gu
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
How did he survive this — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/mlArHL8DQv
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Ariane Lipski def. Mandy Böhm via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In yet another bout that was completely uncompetitive, Ariane Lipski demolished UFC rookie Mandy Böhm via wide unanimous decision. Lipski scored a knockdown in each of the three rounds, and her mixed approach of targeting the body and head was extremely effective. Böhm looks like a decent prospect, but she wasn’t ready for Lipski in the slightest.
What happens when you lock the Queen of Violence and a Monster in the Octagon? —
—- Tune in on @ESPNPlus to find out! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/t28IBmXmHQ
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Oooohs and ahhhhs happen watching —- @Ariane_Lipski in the Octagon! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/oRnPFCHvq0
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Queen — Of — Violence —
[ @Ariane_Lipski #UFCVegas37 ] pic.twitter.com/ojQQB7T1tX— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Winning every round —
—- @Ariane_Lipski gets her hand raised! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/jvljItIBDi
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Arman Tsaryukan def. Christos Giagos via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 1 2:09)
In a highly uncompetitive match, Arman Tsaryukan ran over Christos Giagos in a little over two minutes. Tsaryukan caught Giagos with a stiff hook that sat him down, and after some short follow up strikes, Tsaryukan got the TKO. Post-fight, Tsaryukan called out Dan Hooker for a future bout, which would be an excellent action kickboxing affair.
It is the lightweight’s turn, —- Arman Tsarukyan vs —- @CGiagos up next. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/jxRfB5JIbn
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Arman Tsarukyan got the finish he was calling for — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/y2qVym6ZgO
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
That is now four wins in a row for Arman Tsarukyan—- #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/cOptVWtND2
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Nate Maness def. Tony Gravely via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 2 2:10)
In a wild back and forth fight, Nate Maness came back from being saved by the bell in the first round to score a thrilling knockout victory in the second over Tony Graveley. Gravely nearly got the finish right at the bell of the first round, as he dropped Maness, and could’ve gotten the win had the bell not sounded. In the second round Maness came back and caught Gravely with a devastating right hook.
Two dudes who love to throw hands —
— Mayhem Maness vs @TonyGravely135 is NEXT!
[ #UFCVegas37 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/T9uY2RDG3n— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
SAVED BY THE BELL!?!? —@TonyGravely135 dropped a bomb to end the round. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/I8mqaNiPZp
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!!!! — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/LbdKwW0ebo
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
— ‘Mayhem’ Maness living up to the name! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/TfrCxFcuGF
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2021
Joaquin Buckley def. Antônio Arroyo via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 3 2:26)
Highlight machine, Joaquin Buckley continued to wrack up shocking stoppage wins with a comeback knockout over Antônio Arroyo. Despite struggling with Arroyo’s range over the first two rounds, Buckley caught Arroyo behind the ear, and after some short follow up the fight was over.
The main card of #UFCVegas37 is underway NOW with @NewMansa94 vs Antonio Arroyo —— pic.twitter.com/jZ1UIhHzIU
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Buckley ATE that — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/1kSs5tTyap
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Needing a finish, @NewMansa94 gets it done in the 3rd —— #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/DUJm5T4Cwu
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Another highlight reel KO for @NewMansa94 — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/DnZZ53iNiW
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Tafon Nchukwi def. Mike Rodriguez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Moving up to light heavyweight led to an excellent performance from Tafon Nchukwi in defeating Mike Rodriguez. Nchukwi threw nothing but heat Rodriguez’ way, and despite giving up a massive reach advantage, Rodriguez had nothing for him, and Nchukwi coasted to a relatively routine decision.
Time to wrap a bow on the #UFCVegas37 prelims —
— @MRodMMA and @TafonDaDon close them out on @ESPNPlus. pic.twitter.com/ffDkKAYCQn
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
POWER punches landing through RD 2️⃣. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/7uPz1X512R
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
— Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
—- That’s @TafonDaDon with the dominant performance. #UFCVegas27 pic.twitter.com/Jemkx7kSvw
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Raquel Pennington def. Pannie Kianzad via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a fight that saw alot of fairly dull cage clinching, Raquel Pennington emerged victorious over Pannie Kianzad. The first two rounds were likely split between the two fighters, but Pennington came out strong in the 3rd, and put a stamp on the fight to secure the decision victory. Not the most thrilling outing, but a good showing for Pennington in her return to the octagon after battling with Covid-19.
A bantamweight battle between @PannieKianzad & @RockyPMMA up now — pic.twitter.com/wJllkbxoEy
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
The unanimous decision goes to @RockyPMMA. What a fight — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/dhfxzmsaMC
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Rong Zhu def. Brandon Jenkins via TKO (Ground and Pound) (Rd. 3 4:35)
In a very impressive display, the UFC’s youngest fighter, Rong Zhu, secured his first UFC victory. Zhu rocked Brandon Jenkins numerous times on the feet, and held long stretches of control on the ground punctuated with stiff ground and pound. Zhu finally got the stoppage late in the 3rd round, which was more a mercy stoppage than anything else. Zhu did miss weight for this fight, so he won’t get full credit for his excellent performance.
Another UFC debut on deck —
—- @RongzhuM welcomes —- Brandon Jenkins to the big stage!
[ #UFCVegas37 continues on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/fkBEPHn5UG— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Went for the spin, but met with a hook — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/y4F5y0Z5kk
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Punches in bunches! —
Watch out —- @RongzhuM is swinging heavy. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/3Ni6fMiV3z
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
The ref has seen enough —
— The youngest fighter on the roster, @RongzhuM gets the finish! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/EeWnjPLBIk
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
—- China stand up!
[ @RongzhuM #UFCVegas37 ] pic.twitter.com/ctWehkiPcK— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Montell Jackson def. JP Bays via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a fairly one-sided fight, Montell Jackson utilized a massive striking advantage to ride out a safe decision victory over JP Bays. Jackson knocked Bays down four times in the fight, and while Bays attempted numerous submissions, none of them got especially close to getting the finish.
Quik vs The Young Savage —@Montello135 vs @Wrestling_JP up next as #UFCVegas37 rolls on — pic.twitter.com/Q4Tk4CeDyK
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
@Montello135 showing off those Quik hands, dropping Buys early in the second round. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/8eIAsglyaG
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Another knockdown in the 2nd round for @Montello135. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/LEQ8L1RI7Y
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
A bantamweight record 4th knockdown of the fight for @Montello135 — #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/80BzQBRLN0
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
@Montello135 wins by UD. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/FaftQJubIV
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Erin Blanchfield def. Sarah Alpar via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
In one of the most one-sided fights of the year, Erin Blanchfield completely dominated Sarah Alpar. Blanchfield did whatever she wanted on the feet, but even more importantly, took Alpar down at will, and just crushed her from top position. Blanchfield looks like a highly intriguing prospect in the flyweight division, and I’m not sure Alpar is UFC calibre. Total domination.
— Cold Blooded or — Too Sweet!?
— @Blanchfield_MMA and @TooSweet_Alpar make their walks NOW! —
[ #UFCVegas37 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Vd0PhlVVlt— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Going to work on the ground! —
Nasty GnP from @Blanchfield_MMA. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/xIFi5i3Nly
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Looking impressive in her debut —
— @Blanchfield_MMA is showing up on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/OgMJxh3Vex
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Dominant performance by Erin Blanchfield! pic.twitter.com/8o0SnQ8Hj1
— (@FTBVids_YT) September 18, 2021
— Flyweight division…@Blanchfield_MMA has arrived! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/rl8FROzGGs
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Carlston Harris def. Impa Kasanganay via TKO (Ground and Pound) (Rd. 1 2:38)
Carlston Harris quickly dispatched Impa Kasanganay after knocking him down and following up with some vicious ground and pound. During the ground and pound sequence Harris did crush Kasanganay with a heavy forearm to the back of Kasanganay’s head, but was not intentional, and happened very quickly in the sequence.
— @KingImpa vs @CarlstonMMA up next as #UFCVegas37 continues LIVE on @ESPNPlus. pic.twitter.com/1c4PsLWLon
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Carlston Harris TKO’s Impa in the 1st round!! pic.twitter.com/01fGEZN5DM
— (@FTBVids_YT) September 18, 2021
Replay of Harris’ TKO! https://t.co/HuJcY5uuxW pic.twitter.com/L5zwZsiCSc
— (@FTBVids_YT) September 18, 2021
Gustavo Lopez vs. Heili Alateng ended in a Unanimous Draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
After two fairly close rounds, that slightly favorred Heili Alateng, Gustavo Lopez came out strong in the third round, and definitively won the final stanza. Alateng was rightfully penalized a point for repeated cage grabs in the third round, which resulted in the draw result.
The action continues on @ESPNPlus —
— Tune into @Gustavo11Lopez vs Alatengheili NEXT! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/sCuBi2XnEo
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Letting the hands loose through the opening round! —- #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/DJSY2xZoeK
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Lopez has him on the run! —
This one is close through rd 3️⃣. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/1AfHZy8v6J
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Hannah Goldy def. Emily Whitmire via Submission (Armbar) (Rd. 1 4:17)
Despite giving up an early takedown to Emily Whitmire, Hannah Goldy survived on the ground, and eventually threw up an armbar from her back, and got the finish.
First up is @EmWhitmire115 and @Hannah_Goldy inside the UFC APEX
[ #UFCVegas37 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/AERh9Zln6z— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Starting the card off with a beautiful armbar from @Hannah_Goldy —
[ #UFCVegas37 continues on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Re4rsTKUm3— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
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