The common goal among most up-and-coming regional (or international) mixed martial arts (MMA) prospects is to one day compete for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Other major promotions such as Bellator MMA, Professional Fighter’s Leagues, and ONE Championship are not far behind. Literally, countless prospects across the globe are all working toward the same career goal, making it difficult to stand out in the sea of competition. As often as possible, MMAmania.com will highlight a different combat sports prospect to keep your eyes on.
Shimon Smotritsky
Age: 24
Height: 6’2”
Weight class: Welterweight
Record: 11-2
Gym: Xtreme Couture
Two losses on Dana White’s Contender Series have not stopped Israel’s Shimon Smotritsky from continuing his MMA journey to make it to the UFC. Some fighters lose on Contender Series and disappear – sometimes they retire or just fight into obscurity.
Smotritsky is more motivated than ever because he knows he will eventually make it to UFC.
“I might have been too young and immature when I fought on the show, but now I am ten times the fighter I was in 2022,” Smotritsky told MMAMania.com. “I train with UFC champions and high-level UFC fighters daily at Xtreme Couture. It has made me a great fighter, and I’m ready to prove that I deserve to be in UFC.”
“Assassin” has won three fights since his last appearance on Contender Series and is fighting for the Fury Fighting Championship (Fury FC) Welterweight title at Fury FC next weekend (Sun., Jan. 12, 2025) against Sam Kilmer.
With a win, Smotritsky will be on a shortlist for a phone call to the big show, and he knows it.
“I feel like this year is gonna be the best year of my life,” Smotritsky said. “I gonna get this belt, and then with God’s help, I will sign with the UFC. I’m just focused, you know, always on my upcoming fight; I’m not trying to plan too far because there are many options on the table, especially with me on a good win streak. After a good win, I’ll get the belt, and we’ll see what happens.”
Smotritsky has all of the talent to be in the UFC right now. He has vicious knockout power with solid wrestling and grappling. Plus, his fight IQ is improving every time he fights. The only knock on the 24-year-old is his activity, but it isn’t entirely his fault because he’s having trouble finding opponents.
But it’s not like he’s sitting on the couch when he’s not fighting. The 24-year-old is always in the gym, getting better.
Check out his highlights below:
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