Scoring one of the best knockouts of 2024 isn't enough to garner a live crowd, according to the UFC. Such is the case with former GLORY Kickboxer-turned-MMA fighter Dustin Jacoby, who rebounded from a two-fight losing streak with a stunning one-shot knockout over Vitor Petrino in December last year.
This past Saturday on the main card of UFC 301, we saw a light heavyweight matchup with a lot of implications in the rankings. Vitor Petrino (11-1) entered the octagon unbeaten and he was looking to use Anthony “Lionheart” Smith (38-19) as a stepping stone.
Anthony Smith (38-19) wasn’t supposed to win at UFC 301. He was supposed to be a doormat for Vitor Petrino (11-1), who came into the fight undefeated. After all, it was the journeyman fighter’s destiny… supposedly.
While Alexandre Pantoja retaining his flyweight belt took center stage, the subplot to UFC 301 honored legends in alternative ways. As the promo video started running, it was clear that Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was the next inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Anthony Smith has defied the oddsmakers yet again by submitting Vitor Petrino at UFC 301. The undefeated Petrino started aggressive, prodding at Smith's high guard with a heavy jab, and clubbing over the sides with his winging overhand right and left hook.
The last time, the UFC put on a pay-per-view event, it was a fever dream of star power and expert hijacking. However, this time the premier brand in mixed
Vitor Petrino hasn’t met a challenging obstacle yet. The Brazilian superstar walks into UFC 301 undefeated, with a chance to go 12-0 after his fight against Anthony Smith (37-19).
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Being 11-0 in the UFC has its perks. You get put on the main card of UFC 301 against an established veteran fighter, Anthony Smith and people start to notice.