Former UFC Stars Shine at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Event

Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos, both former UFC light heavyweight title challengers, secured first-round victories to advance in a heavyweight tournament with a $500,000 grand prize.

The event, held in the Dominican Republic and promoted by Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Fighting Championships, featured bareknuckle mixed martial arts rules. The wins marked significant moments for both veterans.

Main Event: Smith Submits Sherman in Comeback

In the main event, Anthony Smith defeated Chase Sherman by rear-naked choke submission at 3:21 of the first round. This bout was Smith's first since announcing his retirement from UFC competition. Both competitors are UFC veterans, with Smith having previously challenged for the UFC light heavyweight title.

Co-Main Event: Santos Ends Winless Streak

In the co-main event, Thiago Santos defeated Guto Inocente by technical knockout (TKO) at 4:21 of the first round. According to one source, this victory marked Santos's first win since October 2021. Santos is also a former UFC light heavyweight title challenger.

The victories for Smith and Santos advance each fighter in the event's heavyweight tournament.

Complete Event Results

The full results from the fight card are as follows:

• Anthony Smith def. Chase Sherman via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:21
• Thiago Santos def. Guto Inocente via TKO – Round 1, 4:21
• Elias Santos def. Landon Quinones via split decision
• Jhonasky Sojo def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decision
• Denis Petrov def. Oscar Hierro Sosa via TKO – Round 1, 1:04
• Ray Cooper III def. Glaucio Eliziario via TKO – Round 1, 2:18
• Luis Pena def. Carlos Alexandre via submission – Round 1, 2:44
• Said Sowma def. Nikolay Kovalenko via TKO – Round 2, 4:31
• Michael Polanco def. Trevor Schurpnel via submission – Round 2, 2:38