Anthony Smith cashed in with a $50,000 performance bonus at UFC Vegas 37. He also continued his march back to contender status.

Smith defeated Ryan Spann in the event’s headliner and received the top total payout among fighters involved in the event at UFC APEX.

Anthony Smith nabs extra $50K at UFC Vegas 37

Smith, 33, won via first-round submission and upped his all-time record to 36-16. He’s won three in a row.

A one-time contender in the light heavyweight division with a title bout loss to Jon Jones on his record, Smith is pushing for a rematch with Aleksandar Rakic next.

Rakic tweeted after the Smith victory “I’m free in December,” and Smith was asked about it in the octagon immediately after the bout.

“Merry Christmas to me,” Smith said.

“Lionheart” lost to Rakic in August of 2020 by unanimous decision. That was his most last defeat before his current win streak.

–Field Level Media