UFC 277 was a card filled with epic bouts. With 2 title fights in the main and co-main event, the card was further enriched by the 205-pound fight between Anthony Smith and Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian fighter got the better of his opponent as he finished the fight via vicious ground and pound.
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The main card opener at UFC 277 started off with both fighters being measured in round 1. However, the Russian fighter seemed to control the center for the majority of the round. When both fighters returned to their corners, Smith seemed to be complaining of an issue with his ankle.
Round 2 started off with Smith trying to take Ankalaev down. However, the fighter was unsuccessful in doing so. Eventually, Smith pulled guard, but this decision did not prove to be good for the former title challenger. Ankalaev, who now gained the top position, used vicious ground and pound to end the fight.
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Anthony Smith seemed to have broken his ankle during the match. Upon hearing this in his post-fight interview, Ankalaev said, “Who do you think broke it?” This fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Anthony Smith drew a lot of reactions from people online.
Fans react to the fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Anthony Smith
Ankalaev’s vicious finish gained quite the reaction from the mixed martial arts community. However, fans were also quick in sympathizing with the former 205-pound title challenger Anthony Smith.
A user claimed that even though he supported ‘Lion Heart,’ he was aware of the challenge the fighter was up against Magomed Ankalaev.
I was rooting for Smith but I knew it was an uphill struggle for him! #UFC277 @btsportufc
— GT (@topboylfc) July 31, 2022
Anthony Smith has been around the sport of mixed martial arts for a very long time. The fighter has earned the respect of fans around the world, and similarly, a user on Twitter referred to Smith as ‘OG.’
Shoutout anthony man respect OG of the game. #UFC277
— Usman (@Usman34210) July 31, 2022
A user on Twitter claimed that Smith paid the price for underestimating the Russian fighter. The fan also mentioned that Smith is unlikable to him at times.
Smith really seemed like he was underestimating Ankalaev. I really don’t like the guy sometimes. #UFC277
— VT2MI❄️ (@VT2MI802) July 31, 2022
MMA journalist Kevin Iole claimed Smith seemed to say his leg was broken.
Smith just mouthed that his leg is broken. #UFC277
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) July 31, 2022
Sean Sheehan posted a witty comment at the expense of Anthony Smith’s injury. The fan tried to relate ankle and Ankalaev’s name in order to make the tweet seem funny.
He broke his Ankalaev #UFC277
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) July 31, 2022
Helen Yee further informed users on Twitter that veteran color commentator Joe Rogan said ‘Lion Heart’ broke his leg in the first round of his bout.
Joe Rogan says Anthony Smith broke his leg in the first round #UFC277
— Helen Yee (@HelenYeeSports) July 31, 2022
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad seemed to sympathize with Anthony Smith. While the welterweight fighter felt Smith looked motivated, he also added that Ankalaev proved he is a possible title contender.
Man sucks to see a fight end like that Anthony looked motivated but ankalaev showed he belongs in title talks
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 31, 2022
MMA journalist Brett Okamoto claimed that when Anthony Smith walked past the press row, the fighter spoke about breaking his leg in the first round.
Anthony Smith walked past press row and said he broke his leg throwing his last kick of the first round.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) July 31, 2022
While Anthony Smith did not have the best of nights, Ankalaev’s performance can’t be ignored. With this victory, The Russian fighter has now solidified his place in the 205-pound division of the UFC.
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What do you think of the fight between Ankalaev and Smith? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
