Key Stats: 7 finishes (tied 6th), 50.2% significant strike accuracy (10th), 0.7 submissions per 15 minutes (9th)
What It Means: “Lionheart” is a fighter’s fighter. Since moving up to light heavyweight in 2018, Smith has been a terror. All six of his wins at 205 pounds have come via finish, and he’s done so in various ways. His striking is well-rounded, and he uses his lanky frame to keep opponents at bay with long punches and teep kicks. His front kicks to the body are particularly effective, and if the fight goes to the ground, his submission game is slick. Smith has more than 50 professional fights to his name, and his craftiness within the margins of the fight is an indicator of that experience.
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What to Look For in the Fight: Smith will have to keep his back away from the fence to find success early, as Ankalaev is lethal once he corners his opponents. “Lionheart” might need to establish his jab and work his variety of push kicks, leg kicks and teep kicks to Ankalaev’s midsection to interrupt the Russian’s rhythm and pressure. Ankalaev, meanwhile, is a patient fighter, so he shouldn’t get discouraged if he needs to grind out early portions of the fight either in clinches or in methodical striking exchanges. Ankalaev might have the pure power advantage, but Smith’s vast experience is always a factor in his fights, even if he’s on the backfoot at first.
