UFC 277 main card kicked off with a key light heavyweight contest featuring Magomed Ankalaev taking on Anthony Smith.
Ankalaev (17-1 MMA) entered the bout boasting an eight-fight winning streak, his latest being a unanimous decision victory over former light heavyweight title challenger Thiago Santos. The Russians lone career setback came in the form of a submission loss to Paul Craig in 2018.
Ankalaev finally took top position in round two and begun raining down some good shots. These are some heavy blows. The referee stepped in and called a stop to the contest.
Staking his claim atop the division! @AnkalaevM with his NINTH straight victory 👊 #UFC277 pic.twitter.com/qAVxDo0Wh2
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) July 31, 2022
A NEW LHW CONTENDER HAS EMERGED!
[ @AnkalaevM | #UFC277 ] pic.twitter.com/qXwhZ7lbfM
— UFC (@ufc) July 31, 2022