Ryan Spann looks for a return to form in the co-main event at UFC Singapore against old foe Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith.
This weekend sees the return of the ever-exciting Ryan ‘Superman’ Spann. He last fought in March this year, where he suffered a loss via triangle to the streaking Nikita Krylov. The Texas native will be looking to bounce back in the co-main event of UFC Singapore on Saturday.
The fight sees him meet Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith, which gives Spann not only the chance for revenge but also a spot in the top 10. There’s a mixture of pressure and motivation for Spann, which makes for a highly intriguing fight.
Ryan Spann Until Now
Spann was a graduate of season 2 of the Contender Series in 2018 when he submitted Emiliano Sordi in the first round via guillotine choke. After being given the contract on the night Spann looked ready to make a statement in the light heavyweight division.
‘Superman’ debuted in the UFC in May of 2019 with an impressive debut against an MMA legend Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. He knocked out Nogueira in the first round with a vicious uppercut. From there he continued his impressive form by submitting Devin Clark and winning a split decision against Sam Alvey.
Spann Hits Speedbumps
However, Spann hit a bump in the road in 2020, riding high in confidence he met Jonny Walker who was on a 2 fight-losing streak. Spann started furiously, landing shots and took Walker down, when in the middle of the first he knocked Johnny down. In trying to finish the fight Spann was caught underneath Walker and was eventually finished by punches from above.
The loss to Walker sparked a run of inconsistent form that sees Ryan now at 2-2 in his last 4 fights. One of those losses came to Anthony Smith, his opponent on Saturday. After being knocked down early in the first the fight went downhill for Spann. Smith was able to dominate the fight and eventually finish Ryan by submission in round 1.
Is Confidence the Key for ‘Superman’?
Analysts and journalists talk of confidence being incredibly important for a fighter, and that seems incredibly applicable to Ryan Spann. He has spoken about his mental health going into fights and not wanting to stare down fighters, even laughing during the Krylov staredown.
Confidence is also a word that Spann uses often in the lead-up and post-fight. After his sensational knockout of Dominic Reyes, Ryan commented “My confidence came 100% from my training. I didn’t doubt myself, I wasn’t scared of getting tired like I usually am.”
It’s curious that Spann uses confidence along with fear and doubt in the same quote. This shows a level of conflict within Ryan, questions not his ability but his sustainability in the Octagon. Smith is a cardio machine and is well-experienced in the fight game, so it won’t be an easy one for him.
Will Ryan Spann break into the top 10 with a win over Smith? Be sure to check out our preview of Anthony Smith and let us know your thoughts on the fight.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
