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The 138th edition of UFC Fight Night is in the books and what a show it was!
Following in the footsteps of the incredibly entertaining and controversial UFC 229 event, Fight Night 138 saw the fighters stick to what they do best; fight.
The headline attraction for Fight Night was an intriguing clash between a pair of heavy hitters in Volkan Oezdemir and Anthony Smith.
It was a show that had been badly hit by withdrawals as Zubaira Tukhugov who was the original opponent for Artem Lobov was pulled from the bout due to his role in the post-UFC 229 melee. His future in the company appears to be over; Gavin Tucker was supposed to clash with Andre Soukhamthath but he suffered an injury in training and was replaced by debutant, Jonathan Martinez.
The event also offered up a massive seven preliminary bouts as young fighters attempted to make a name for themselves in this phenomenal sport. Sean Strickland and Don Madge did just that. Madge gave UFC the highlight of the preliminary card with a head kick comparable to Pete Williams's legendary "head kick heard around the world" as he saw his initial kick blocked by Te Edwards but quickly breached his opponent's defences by blasting him again for the highlight reel Knockout win.
That was just one of the incredible moments and surprises from an entertaining Fight Night card and now there is no doubt whatsoever that most eyes will now be on the next UFC event, UFC 230 next weekend, when Daniel Cormier puts the Heavyweight Championship on the line in what will surely be another glorious night of MMA action.
But first, it's time to review the best and worst moments from a wild night of fights at Fight Night 138 within the following slideshow.
#2 Worst - Early stoppage in the Sean Strickland vs Nordine Taleb fight
Referees obviously play a very important part in MMA. They ensure the rules are adhered to at all times and put fighter safety at the heart of their decision making.
However, sometimes their stoppage decisions can be a little premature and give a fighter little chance to recover.
That is exactly what occurred during the Sean Strickland and Nordine Taleb preliminary bout.
With Taleb having comfortably won the first round, he found himself on the receiving end of a right hand that put him down. He put Strickland inside his guard where Strickland attempted to finish.
The crowd loudly booed the stoppage, as the Canadian hero suffered the loss but they were also unhappy at the slightly early stoppage and likely believed that Taleb could have recovered to win.
We will never know. However, Taleb will live to fight another day.
#2 Best - Andre Soukhamthath upsets Jonathan Martinez
What a performance by Andre Soukhamthath! Originally scheduled to fight Gavin Tucker at the event, Tucker withdrew a few weeks ago, leaving Soukhamthath with very little time to prepare for debutant, Jonathan Martinez.
Martinez entered the fight with a gleaming reputation and was most observers' pick to defeat Soukhamthath whose best days were thought to be behind him.
However, Soukhamthath rolled the clock back in this encounter with a hugely superior display of striking which put Martinez on the back foot. Martinez got dropped with a big right hand and was lucky to survive the first round.
Martinez came into the fight more in the second and third rounds but Soukhamthath impressively kept him at bay. The fight ended with Martinez trapped in Soukhamthath's triangle choke.
Soukhamthath was the winner by Unanimous Decision. "The Asian Sensation" proved to the world that he is not finished yet.
#1 Worst - Gian Villante defeats Ed Herman in a dull split decision
Wow. This fight put the Moncton crowd to sleep.
For three rounds, Gian Villante and Ed Herman did little to nothing as they contested the worst fight of the night by a considerable distance
Villante has a reputation for being a fighter who is not exactly easy on the eye and he once again confirmed it here with a mediocre effort.
The two men traded some blows early on but then spent just as much time avoiding each other.
The pedestrian action continued in the second with a few leg kicks and jabs landing but with neither man following up to post any damage. The end of the round concluded with a much too long stare-down.
The third round was a disaster with neither willing to attempt to finish with a few weak punches and leg kicks thrown.
The judges scored the bout a split decision for Villante, when some observers thought Herman had edged it. In all likelihood, the fight should probably have been a draw as neither man showed any desire to win. Herman was upset with the result post-fight but it's difficult to fathom why. It would not be surprising if both of these men had fought for the last time in UFC.
#1 Best - Anthony Smith leaps up the rankings
Anthony Smith entered the main event bout opposite contender, Volkan Oezdemir knowing that a win would catapult him up the Light-Heavyweight rankings.
Oezdemir had been a dominating force in UFC until his winning streak was snapped by Light-Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Cormier at UFC 220, back in January.
Oezdemir knew a win here would put him right back into contention and he was a formidable challenge for Smith.
No one expected this fight to go long, given both men are devastating Knockout artists.
It went longer than most expected, deep into the third round. Oezdemir comfortably won the first two rounds with a powerful display of leg kicks which kept Smith on the back foot.
However, despite suffering a barrage, Smith was not to be outdone and showed great awareness to sweep Oezdemir's legs. They traded blows before Smith was able to lock in a choke for an unlikely submission victory.
Smith has now put himself in line for a title shot. An outstanding night for the 30-year-old.
