Anthony Smith, UFC Vegas 15

Matchmaker Monday following UFC Vegas 15

UFC Vegas 15 lost its original main event between Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis when Blaydes tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

Nonetheless, the show must go on and Anthony Smith and Devin Clark stepped into the main event, which Smith won by a first-round submission.

Now let’s find out what’s next for those guy on this Matchmaker Monday.

Anthony Smith
Result: defeated Devin Clark by first-round submission at UFC Vegas 15
Next: Paul Craig

This was a big win for Smith as it snapped a two-fight losing streak. Now the former title challenger and Craig seem to headed on a collision course.

Smith said after the fight that he heard Craig has been calling for the fight and Smith thinks its a fun matchup. I don’t think there’s too much left to say there. 

Also one thing to note about that fight is the rankings as Smith is currently No. 6 and Craig is at No. 14. There’s some room between them so someone else may sneak in there like Johnny Walker, who Smith also name dropped. However, I feel like recency bias plays a big part in matchmaking and Craig just picked up a big win over Shogun Rua at UFC 255.

Devin Clark
Result: lost to Anthony Smith by first-round submission at UFC Vegas 15
Next: a break

Clark showed a lot of heart by stepping into the octagon on Saturday night.

One week prior to this fight, Clark’s mother-in-law passed away and with a heavy heart, Clark still went out and fought.

The death of a family member is always tough and I think Clark deserves a break to be home with his family during this difficult time. Not to mention that Clark was very active this year so a break would definitely be warranted if Clark wants to do so.

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John Eric Poli