Full Breakdown
Anthony Smith Triumphs in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Return
4/11/2026, 9:39:26 AM
Overview of the Event
On April 10, 2026, Anthony Smith made a notable return to combat sports at the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This event, promoted by Jorge Masvidal, marked the organization's first action since November 2014 and featured the opening rounds of heavyweight and lightweight tournaments aimed at crowning new champions.
Key Fight Highlights
In the main event, Anthony Smith, a former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, faced Chase Sherman. Smith, known as "Lionheart," showcased his striking precision and tactical acumen, utilizing effective jabs to control the pace of the fight. He quickly gained the upper hand, leading to a ground engagement where he executed a rear-naked choke submission at 3:21 of the first round, securing his advancement in the heavyweight tournament with a chance to win a $500,000 grand prize.
The co-main event featured another former UFC title challenger, Thiago Santos, who achieved a first-round TKO victory over Guto Inocente at 4:21. This win also propelled Santos into the next round of the heavyweight tournament.
Complete Fight Results
The event included several other notable matchups, with the following results:
- Anthony Smith def. Chase Sherman via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:21 of Round 1
- Thiago Santos def. Guto Inocente via TKO at 4:21 of Round 1
- Elias Santos def. Landon Quinones via split decision
- Jhonasky Sojo def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decision
- Denis Petrov def. Oscar Hierro Sosa via TKO at 1:04 of Round 1
- Ray Cooper III def. Glaucio Eliziario via TKO at 2:18 of Round 1
- Luis Pena def. Carlos Alexandre via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:44 of Round 1
- Said Sowma def. Nikolay Kovalenko via TKO at 4:31 of Round 2
- Michael Polanco def. Trevor Schurpnel via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:38 of Round 2
- Santiago Soriano def. Damaury Ramos via TKO at 3:09 of Round 1
Official Statements & Responses
The event's successful execution and the performances of fighters like Smith and Santos have been positively received, highlighting the return of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA as a significant moment in the combat sports landscape. Jorge Masvidal's promotion aims to revitalize interest in bare-knuckle fighting, offering a platform for both established and emerging fighters.
Criticism & Opposition
While the event was celebrated by many, some critics have raised concerns about the safety and regulation of bare-knuckle fighting, questioning the potential for increased injuries compared to traditional MMA bouts. These concerns reflect ongoing debates within the combat sports community regarding fighter welfare and the nature of competition.
What's Next
Following this event, Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos will continue their quests for championship titles in the heavyweight tournament, with future matchups expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. The promotion's commitment to hosting tournaments suggests a renewed focus on competitive fighting within the bare-knuckle format.
