Key statistics: 7 finishes (tied 6th), 50.2% significant hitting accuracy (10th), 0.7 submissions per 15 mins (9th)
What this means: “Lionheart” is a fighter’s fighter. Since moving up to light heavyweight in 2018, Black-smith was a terror. His six wins at 205 pounds came on the finish, and he did it in different ways. His striking is well balanced and he uses his lanky frame to keep opponents at bay with long punches and kicks. His front kicks to the body are particularly effective, and if the fight goes to the ground, his submission game is smooth. Smith has more than 50 pro fights under his belt, and his cunning in the margins of the fight is an indicator of that experience.
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What to look for in combat: Smith will need to keep his back away from the fence to find success early, as Ankalaev is deadly once he corners his opponents. ‘Lionheart’ might need to establish his jab and work on his variety of thrust kicks, leg kicks and Ankalaev’s midsection kicks to interrupt the Russian’s rhythm and pressure . Ankalaev, meanwhile, is a patient fighter, so he shouldn’t be discouraged if he needs to grind the early parts of the fight either in clinches or methodical strike exchanges. Ankalaev may have the edge in pure power, but Smith’s vast experience is always a factor in his fights, even if he’s on his back early on.
Alexander Pantoja
