UFC Stockholm: Smith Stuns Sweden Silent with Submission Win
Anthony Smith faced some trouble during his UFC Stockholm main event fight with Alexander Gustafsson, but he was able to get the win with a submission in the fourth round.
Smith showed signs of his power punching right from the start, but Gustafsson used his boxing experience well throughout the fight. Gustafsson worked the jab and, while normally a dangerous position when facing Smith, was able to easily get away from Smith’s power. Smith landed better in the second, but he looked tired while Gustafsson was still bouncing.
How are you scoring it through two? #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/7iiV2m7LyK
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
Gustafsson suffered a cut on his leg as a result of several leg kicks between him and Smith during the fight, as the cut bled down to his foot in the first and third rounds. The third round also saw Gustafsson seize major control when he landed a late liver shot and takedown.
MASSIVE body shot into a takedown!@AlexTheMauler looks to take control as we head to the fourth. #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/kWD4aywuYW
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
But in the fourth, as Gustafsson went for another takedown, Smith reversed it and landed one of his own, getting Gustafsson’s back. Despite staying on Gustafsson’s back for over a minute, Smith did not slip off and managed to flatten Gustafsson out, landed a couple of big punches before locking in the choke and getting the tap out.
ALL HEART. ALWAYS.@LionheartASmith #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/EfCqR319Va
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
Following his loss, Gustafsson removed his gloves and announced his retirement.
"The show is over, guys."
Thank you, @AlexTheMauler. #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/aKcr73fAFn
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
đđ¸đŞ @AlexTheMauler #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/9yntodNum0
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
The biggest highlight of the night outside the main event came in the co-main event. After small exchanging between the two, Aleksandar Rakic landed a combination and followed with a major left kick to the head of Jimi Manuwa, knocking out the ranked light heavyweight contender in less than a minute.
UNBELIEVABLE!
OH MY, @RAKIC_UFC!
âĄď¸ https://t.co/9sFxPgQC5a #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/bpU0Q7lnbA
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
This continued Rakic’s unbeaten run since losing his professional MMA debut, while handing Manuwa his fourth consecutive loss.
UFC Stockholm Main Card Results:
Light Heavyweight: Anthony Smith def. Alexander Gustafsson via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 4, 2:38)
Light Heavyweight: Aleksandar Rakic def. Jimi Manuwa via KO (Rd. 1, 0:42)
Featherweight: Makwan Amirkhani def. Chris Fishgold via submission (anaconda choke) (Rd. 2, 4:25)
Lightweight: Christos Giagos def. Damir Hadzovic via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
Featherweight: Daniel Teymur def. Sung Bin Jo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)UFC Stockholm Preliminary Card Results:
Welterweight: Sergey Khandozhko def. Rostem Akman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Womenâs Bantamweight: Lina Lansberg def. Tonya Evinger via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
Lightweight: Leonardo Santos def. Stevie Ray via KO (Rd. 1, 2:17)
Lightweight: Frank Camacho def. Nick Hein via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:56)
Womenâs Bantamweight: Bea Malecki def. Eduarda Santana via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 2, 1:59)
Light Heavyweight: Devin Clark def. Darko Stosic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight: Joel Alvarez def. Danilo Belluardo via TKO (Rd. 2, 2:22)