Anthony Smith got a big win over Devin Clark in the main event of UFC Vegas 15 via submission. However, Smith decided to commend Clark for stepping into the cage despite grieving the loss of his mother-in-law while in fight camp.

“All respect to Devin and his team. My condolences go out to him and his family and I hope they can find some sort of pace somewhere. I really hope Devin doesn’t look at this like. I know what it is like to be needed somewhere else and chase your dream and you miss out on it. My best friend died the day before my UFC debut in Brazil, and I still got on the plane.

Smith added, “While you’re doing it, you’re not sure why you’re doing it, you just think that’s probably what they want. I hope he’s not regretting being in camp when she was sick, I hope he’s not regretting coming here when he should be back with his family. I’m sure that that’s what she would want and what his family needs. He just got his name.out there, fought in the main event. He’ll be just fine.

Anthony Smith revels in arresting his losing streak

While him honoring the Clark family was a nice touch, Smith cared about one thing heading into this fight. That was winning. Smith was on a two-fight slide after back-to-back rough performances this year. Many thought him jumping from these losses as quickly as he was would be a bad thing. However, he clearly carried over his fluidity in the win over Clark.

Smith actually event attempted a Twister in the fight, showing how well-rounded his BJJ game is. Despite that, Smith won by a choke and has put himself back into the win column.

Devin Clark and the tragedy his family went through is genuinely very sad. Preparing for a fight against a man that faced Jon Jones for the Light Heavyweight title with this happening is not ideal. But as Smith said, Clark will be just fine.