In the wise words of Timon the Meerkat in our childhood favorite film
The Lion King, “You’ve got to put the past behind you.” This is exactly what MMA fans are doing now that the dust has settled on the aftermath of UFC 229. It stands without question why it was such an unforgettable moment in MMA history, but for all the wrong reasons. The UFC hopes to give fans what they are looking for when UFC Fight Night 138 rolls around on Saturday in Canada.
The main event features two rising light heavyweight contenders looking to cement their place in the division and lock down a chance to capture UFC gold. Anthony “Lionheart” Smith takes on Volkan “No Time” Oezdemir in a fight that fans need right now. Both men are on the rise. Oezdemir is coming off a failed title bid, while Smith has been busy taking out two former champions. It’s a fight that could easily propel Oezdemir back into the title picture or could allow Smith to emerge as a true force within the division.