UFC Vegas 37: Anthony Smith vs Ryan Spann Preview

UFC Vegas 37 goes down this weekend at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas as light heavyweights Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann take center stage. The co-main event also features a light heavyweight clash between Ion Cutelaba and Devin Clark.

Elsewhere on the main card, Ariane Lipski takes on Mandy Bohm in a flyweight contest, lightweights Arman Tsarukyan and Christos Giagos collide and Joaquin Buckley takes on Antonio Arroyo in a middleweight bout.

Anthony Smith vs Ryan Spann

The main event between Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann is a very exciting one because both fighters are extremely well matched. Smith is a veteran of the sport with over 50 professional MMA fights. He has excellent kickboxing and BJJ skills, but Spann is also a well-rounded fighter with great standup and submission skills.

While Smith has more experience, Spann has the power and speed advantage and is a fast starter. ‘Lionheart’ is coming off back-to-back finishes of Devin Clark and Jimmy Crute and will be looking to score a third consecutive one, but Spann will be a tough cookie to crack, especially when he’ll be the aggressor.

Smith has taken tons of damage inside the Octagon so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he can’t take Spann’s power. However, Smith can crack and Spann should watch out for his counter punches.

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Ion Cutelaba vs Devin Clark

Ion Cutelaba vs Devin Clark is another interesting matchup in the light heavyweight division. Cutelaba has more tools in his arsenal, with explosive striking and Sambo background, while Clark mostly relies on his wrestling to win fights.

Clark is less comfortable on the feet in comparison and is very predictable. For Clark to win this fight, he will have to take it to the mat, whereas Cutelaba would like to keep the fight standing because he has the power, technique and explosiveness to shut Clark’s lights out. However, he should be careful with his gas tank.

Both fighters like being the hammer and feel uneasy when they are the nail.

Ariane Lipski vs Mandy Bohm

After four fight cancellations, undefeated prospect Mandy Bohm is finally set to make her UFC debut against a tough Ariane Lipski. The Brazilian has strong Muay Thai striking. She has excellent movement and feints, remains very light on her feet, and has a variety of strikes in her arsenal. She isn’t as comfortable when the fight goes to the mat, although she’s good top control.

Bohm is an excellent striker as well, who likes to pick apart her opponents from the outside, with her teep and jab. She’s also very good at shifting the range and in the clinch and is a very good wrestler, so Lipski has to avoid getting taken down. It’s a close fight and should provide a lot of entertainment.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Christos Giagos

Arman Tsarukyan vs Christos Giagos is a great addition to the UFC Vegas 37 main card. The two prospects are looking to make their way into the lightweight top 15, with Tsarukyan having a better chance of doing so if he gets a big win this weekend.

Both fighters are very even when it comes to striking, but Tsarukyan’s wrestling is way better than Giagos’ and he will have a hard time dealing with it. If Giagos is unable to stop Tsarukyan’s takedowns, it’s going to be a long night for him.

Joaquin Buckley vs Antonio Arroyo

Joaquin Buckley vs Antonio Arroyo is going to be fireworks. Both fighters are extremely talented and love to finish fights. Buckley is predominantly a stand up fighter, who likes to pressure his opponents and land knockout blows. Arroyo is more well-rounded in comparison, and has knockout and submission wins to his name.

If Arroyo wants to stand and trade with Buckley, he needs to remain on the outside and avoid getting in a phonebooth fight with Buckley. The Brazilian will be better off using his wrestling and submission game to churn out a victory, because as long as the fight stays on the feet, Buckley will have the edge.

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