Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was back at it again, as the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization invaded Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, for the first time ever to stage UFC Fight Night 138, which aired on FOX Sports 1 last night (Sat., Oct. 27, 2018). In the main event of the evening, Anthony Smith choked out Volkan Oezdemir in the third round in a thrilling Light Heavyweight affair (see it), while Michael Johnson took out Artem Lobov in the co-headliner (recap).
Biggest Winner: Anthony Smith
“Lionheart’s” ascension up the 205-pound ladder took another huge leap last night after choking out former title contender Volkan Oezdemir in the third round of their scheduled five-round main event fight. Since moving up to Light Heavyweight, all Smith has done is collect back-to-back first round knockout wins over Rashad Evans and Mauricio Rua ... and then, of course, submit “No Time” in three rounds.
With his impressive win over Oezdemir, Smith proved that he can take some good shots and keep on ticking — Oezdemir had Smith hurt in the fight. Still, Smith kept his composure and rode the wave until he found his opening for the finish. Asking for a title shot after the victory, it will be a tough task to secure one as he is currently ranked No. 10. Nevertheless, you miss all the shots you don’t take.
Runner Up: Misha Cirkunov
Cirkunov picked up a much-needed win in Moncton, ending his two-fight skid after making quick work of Patrick Cummins. Indeed, Cirkunov worked his way into a good position to lock in highly-impressive arm-triangle choke halfway through the opening frame. In doing so, he became the first man to ever force “Durkin” to tap.
The win means Cirkunov will remain in the promotion for at least a few more fights, but now he can breath a bit easier without having to worry about a pink slip showing up in his inbox.
Biggest Loser: Ed Herman
Having competed for UFC since 2006, Herman had never suffered a three-fight losing streak. That is, of course, until last night, as the long-time veteran lost his third consecutive fight after dropping a razor-thin split decision defeat to Gian Villante in a rock em,’ sock em’ type of fight. Since moving back up to 205 pounds, Herman has gone 1-4, which could signal another drop back down to Middleweight as banging with the big boys obviously doesn’t seem to be working for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) alum. But, don’t get it twisted: Herman only made this segment because of his three-fight losing streak, as that decision could’ve gone either way.
For complete UFC Moncton results and coverage click here.