UFC Moncton live blog: Volkan Oezdemir vs. Anthony Smith

This is the UFC Moncton live blog for Volkan Oezdemir vs. Anthony Smith, a light heavyweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event at the Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Oezdemir, a recent light heavyweight title challenger, faces Smith, who has knocked out both of his opponents in the first round since moving up to 205 pounds, in the main event.

Check out the UFC Moncton live blog below.

Round 1: Yves Lavigne will be the third man in the Octagon for this bout. Outside leg kick by Oezdemir to start. Smith shoots in for a takedown and Oezdemir is able to block it and reverse position against the cage. They’re trading short knees in the clinch. Oezdemir marching forward and he lands a solid left, he’s opening up with his punches early and Smith has to cover up. Smith survives the flurry and the action returns to the center. Oezdemir repeatedly finding a home for his left hand. Right cross connects for Oezdemir. Smith pops him with a jab. Glancing overhand right by Smith. Eye poke by Smith and there’s a pause in the action. Oezdemir comes out of the break aggressively, jumping knee to the body, but Smith backs him up with a hard right. They trade rights. There’s blood coming from Oezdemir’s nose. They clinch up against the fence and that’s where the round ends.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Oezdemir.

Round 2: Oezdemir probing with his jab and landing inside leg kicks. Smith backs him off with a series of straight punches, he’s walking forward more now in the second frame. A missed elbow leads to Oezdemir getting low and shooting in for a takedown, he gets it. He’s on top on half guard. Oezdemir looks to stand, but Smith holds onto his ankle and attempts a leg lock. Oezdemir just drops back down and starts landing ground-and-pound. He’s on Smith’s back, in control, though Smith is holding on to Oezdemir’s right wrist. A minute remaining and Oezdemir is continuing to throw short punches from behind. Smith tries to stand, but Oezdemir stays heavy on his back.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Oezdemir. Overall, 20-18 Oezdemir.

Round 3: Oezdemir using his jab and low kicks to maintain the advantage from distance. Straight punches are connecting, but Oezdemir is mostly slipping them. Smith turning up the pressure. Thai knee to the body right up the middle for Smith. Oezdemir with an uppercut. Smith sticking with knees to the body, and Oezdemir counters with an elbow over the top. Midway through the round they’re starting to slug it out. Level change by Smith and he gets a takedown. Both hooks are in and he is looking for a choke, Oezdemir not letting himself get flattened out. Smith shifts his legs into a body triangle and the choke is deeper. Oezdemir fights the hands to break the attempt. Smith gets under the chin and forces the tap out.

Official result: Anthony Smith def. Volkan Oezdemir via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:26 of round three