Anthony Smith had something to prove at UFC 301 – that he was still a tough fighter in the light heavyweight division. And he proved it in an amazing way.
From the start, the experienced Smith came out aggressive, quickly going after the younger Vitor Petrino. With lots of experience on his side, Smith waited patiently for his chance before attacking – locking in a tight choke hold that made Petrino tap out in just two minutes.
In a funny moment, even the famous announcer Bruce Buffer seemed to doubt Smith at first. Buffer started to mistakenly announce Petrino as the winner before catching himself and correcting it.
Being a good sport, Smith laughed about it with Buffer after his hand was raised as the winner. You could see the relief on Smith’s face – he had proved the doubters wrong with his skilled, experienced performance. The lionheart still roars loudly!
Smith Hands Petrino His First Career Loss
Smith had been struggling lately, with only one win in his last four fights. He was coming off a tough loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. back in December.
Anthony looking. At that gift petrino gave him pic.twitter.com/lQPKeTBhE6
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 5, 2024
What a win for Smith. Did Petrino get injured? Looked like it. Congrats big Anthony!!! #UFC301
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) May 5, 2024
A very rare Bruce Buffer screw up#UFC301
pic.twitter.com/OVI19vhCa8— MMA Mania (@mmamania) May 5, 2024
Called it!! 😂💯 Lion Heart by sub pic.twitter.com/TO6jAkqDsr
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) May 5, 2024
That’s my dawg right there! Way to show out for the 35 and older club. #UFC301
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) May 5, 2024
Even Bruce Buffer couldn’t believe Anthony Smith won #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/s27v4ETAc0
— Anthony (@anthonycough1an) May 5, 2024
Anthony Smith delivers the upset in Brazil 💥#UFC301 pic.twitter.com/PNP3E4LMME
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) May 5, 2024
Meanwhile, Petrino was riding high on a four-fight winning streak in the UFC before tonight. The up-and-comer from Dana White’s Contender Series had looked impressive, most recently finishing the retiring Tyson Pedro just last month.
But the veteran Smith flipped the script in emphatic fashion. With his back against the wall, he dug deep and reminded everyone of his savvy skills and experience. Petrino’s undefeated record is no more after running into the lionheart.
