Cole Smith
The Cole Train
Canada
Parts ways with promotion
Smith parted ways with the UFC on Friday, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith is coming off the first two losses of his professional career, most recently losing to Hunter Azure via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in September. The 31-year-old was one of four fighters to part ways with the promotion Friday, and while it's unclear whether his contract expired or if the UFC released him, he'll now be in search of a new opportunity.
Smith is coming off the first two losses of his professional career, most recently losing to Hunter Azure via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in September. The 31-year-old was one of four fighters to part ways with the promotion Friday, and while it's unclear whether his contract expired or if the UFC released him, he'll now be in search of a new opportunity.
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Late charge not enough to notch win
Smith lost to Hunter Azure via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Smith ate a big right hand early that momentarily put him on the Canvas, but "The Cole Train" found his bearings quickly, staying in the fight with nice defensive jiujitsu. Smith continued to weather the storm and actually found himself on Azure's back looking for a choke in the final minute of the fight, but hearing the bell meant a loss for the 31-year-old, who had already clearly lost two rounds. Smith is billed as a muay thai striker which is a bit confusing, as it's clear that he doesn't want to do much else other than look for his own takedown and grappling game. This will present problems whenever he faces a stronger grappler, as has been the case in each of his last two fights. Smith moves to 7-2 in professional MMA as a result of the loss.
Smith ate a big right hand early that momentarily put him on the Canvas, but "The Cole Train" found his bearings quickly, staying in the fight with nice defensive jiujitsu. Smith continued to weather the storm and actually found himself on Azure's back looking for a choke in the final minute of the fight, but hearing the bell meant a loss for the 31-year-old, who had already clearly lost two rounds. Smith is billed as a muay thai striker which is a bit confusing, as it's clear that he doesn't want to do much else other than look for his own takedown and grappling game. This will present problems whenever he faces a stronger grappler, as has been the case in each of his last two fights. Smith moves to 7-2 in professional MMA as a result of the loss.
Added to Sept. 5 card
Smith will take on Hunter Azure on the UFC's Sept. 5 card, Marcel Dorff of MMADNA reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith took his first professional loss to Miles Johns via split decision in his Sept. 14 bout, having owned a flawless 7-0-0 mark prior to that. He will aim to get back on track versus Azure, who is also looking to bounce back from his first professional loss. Smith surrenders two inches of reach to his opponent despite sporting a three-inch height advantage.
Smith took his first professional loss to Miles Johns via split decision in his Sept. 14 bout, having owned a flawless 7-0-0 mark prior to that. He will aim to get back on track versus Azure, who is also looking to bounce back from his first professional loss. Smith surrenders two inches of reach to his opponent despite sporting a three-inch height advantage.
Another Canadian falls in Vancouver
Smith lost to Miles Johns via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC on ESPN+ 16 on Saturday in Vancouver.
ANALYSIS
Smith needed three entire rounds to accumulate 11 significant strikes, one takedown and two advances, and while he was frustrated with the decision, it appeared to statistically be the correct one. The longer fighter was simply unable to use his length to his advantage, as Smith landed ad just a 19 percent clip and had five takedowns stuffed. The loss snapped Smith's undefeated record and evens him out at .500 in two UFC appearances.
Smith needed three entire rounds to accumulate 11 significant strikes, one takedown and two advances, and while he was frustrated with the decision, it appeared to statistically be the correct one. The longer fighter was simply unable to use his length to his advantage, as Smith landed ad just a 19 percent clip and had five takedowns stuffed. The loss snapped Smith's undefeated record and evens him out at .500 in two UFC appearances.
Added to UFC Vancouver card
Smith will fight Miles Johns in a bantamweight matchup at UFC Vancouver on Sept. 14, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith and Johns both enter the bout undefeated, with Johns having one more professional win and Smith possessing the only UFC victory between the two. The 30-year-old Canadian has earned three victories via submission and two by TKO, displaying his well-rounded form since turning pro. This fight will likely serve as a springboard for whichever prospect emerges victorious.
Smith and Johns both enter the bout undefeated, with Johns having one more professional win and Smith possessing the only UFC victory between the two. The 30-year-old Canadian has earned three victories via submission and two by TKO, displaying his well-rounded form since turning pro. This fight will likely serve as a springboard for whichever prospect emerges victorious.
Victorious in UFC debut
Smith defeated Mitch Gagnon via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Ottawa.
ANALYSIS
In for an injured Brian Kelleher, Smith took full advantage of his opportunity. The Vancouver native looked calm and composed in his UFC debut. He was the much quicker man on the feet and mixed in a pair of successful takedowns for good measure. Gagnon isn't exactly a high quality opponent, but Smith spent his entire MMA career prior to Saturday on the regional circuit and easily handled the step up in competition. The 30-year-old is guaranteed to get another fight with the company after his strong showing in Ottawa.
In for an injured Brian Kelleher, Smith took full advantage of his opportunity. The Vancouver native looked calm and composed in his UFC debut. He was the much quicker man on the feet and mixed in a pair of successful takedowns for good measure. Gagnon isn't exactly a high quality opponent, but Smith spent his entire MMA career prior to Saturday on the regional circuit and easily handled the step up in competition. The 30-year-old is guaranteed to get another fight with the company after his strong showing in Ottawa.