Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Ryan Spann
The UFC is back on pay-per-view Saturday in Australia, featuring one of the country's own. Jon Litterine breaks down five key fights and makes his pick for the entire card.
After three alterations to the main event, the UFC is ready to return to Brazil with a trip to Sao Paulo on Saturday. Jon Litterine picks the card and breaks down four key fights.
More Fantasy News
Decisions Luis Henrique in UFC debut Saturday
Spann defeated Luis Henrique via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
ANALYSIS
Prior to Saturday, Spann's previous six fights had all ended in the first round. While he won without issue, his pace clearly slowed as the course of the 15-minute bout progressed. Spann has a long (6-foot-5), lean frame and is a strong grappler. Given the stunning lack of depth in the UFC's light heavyweight division, the debuting Spann is worth keeping an eye on moving forward. The Texas native has some things going for him.
Prior to Saturday, Spann's previous six fights had all ended in the first round. While he won without issue, his pace clearly slowed as the course of the 15-minute bout progressed. Spann has a long (6-foot-5), lean frame and is a strong grappler. Given the stunning lack of depth in the UFC's light heavyweight division, the debuting Spann is worth keeping an eye on moving forward. The Texas native has some things going for him.
Short-notice replacement at UFC Sao Paulo
Spann will make his UFC debut in a light heavyweight matchup against Luis Henrique at UFC Sao Paulo on Sept. 22, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It took two attempts on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series to officially get his UFC contract, but Spann will still be forced to accept a fight on short notice in order to get his time with the promotion started. Spann will face off against a fighter that is just 2-3 with the company, and will enter as the younger man, in addition to holding height and reach advantages. He'll face a tough crowd in Brazil, but certainly has the experience and physical tools to come away with a victory.
It took two attempts on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series to officially get his UFC contract, but Spann will still be forced to accept a fight on short notice in order to get his time with the promotion started. Spann will face off against a fighter that is just 2-3 with the company, and will enter as the younger man, in addition to holding height and reach advantages. He'll face a tough crowd in Brazil, but certainly has the experience and physical tools to come away with a victory.
First-round submission earns UFC contract
Spann earned a contract with the UFC following his victory over Emiliano Sordi via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:26 of Round 1 on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series.
ANALYSIS
Spann landed a big right hand in the fight's opening moments which sent Sordi to the canvas. There was little hesitation from Spann after that, as he quickly pounced and sunk in a modified guillotine. Sordi barely hesitated in tapping before referee Mark Smith called a stop to the bout. Spann competed in the inaugural Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series last July, but was stopped in just 15 seconds by the elbows of Karl Roberson. He then bounced back with three-straight wins under the LFA banner before getting this opportunity. Spann was the biggest betting favorite on the card at nearly (-500), but doing exactly what was expected of him turned out to be enough to win a contract. At 6-4, the 26-year-old Spann will enter with a length advantage over most 205-pounders, though it still remains to be seen how he fares against tougher competition.
Spann landed a big right hand in the fight's opening moments which sent Sordi to the canvas. There was little hesitation from Spann after that, as he quickly pounced and sunk in a modified guillotine. Sordi barely hesitated in tapping before referee Mark Smith called a stop to the bout. Spann competed in the inaugural Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series last July, but was stopped in just 15 seconds by the elbows of Karl Roberson. He then bounced back with three-straight wins under the LFA banner before getting this opportunity. Spann was the biggest betting favorite on the card at nearly (-500), but doing exactly what was expected of him turned out to be enough to win a contract. At 6-4, the 26-year-old Spann will enter with a length advantage over most 205-pounders, though it still remains to be seen how he fares against tougher competition.