Smith’s win over Oezdemir capped off a stunning change of fortunes for the veteran who soared up the 205-pound ranks after moving up from middleweight in 2018. Wins over former champions Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans bolstered Smith’s resume, but it wasn’t until he knocked off Oezdemir that he established himself as a true contender.
After a back-and-forth battle, Smith finished a bloody Oezdemir with a rear-naked choke in round three to set himself up for a championship opportunity against Jon Jones at UFC 235.
Smith headlines his sixth straight event this Saturday when he closes out UFC Vegas 8 against Aleksandar Rakic.
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