Trevor Smith (fighter)

Trevor Smith (born January 5, 1981) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2009, Smith also formerly competed for Strikeforce.

Background

Smith was born in Vancouver, Washington and lived there for part of his upbringing. Smith was a state champion in wrestling at Mark Morris High School in Longview, Washington and a NJCAA All-American out of Highline Community College in 2002. He then continued his career at Iowa State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing.^[2][3]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Smith started his career in 2009. He fought mainly for organizations within his home state. With a MMA record of 7–1, losing only once to Devin Cole, he signed with Strikeforce.

Strikeforce

Smith made his debut on June 24, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Fodor vs. Terry against Keith Berry.^[4] He won via technical submission in the second round.

Smith faced T. J. Cook on November 18, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Britt vs. Sayers.^[5] He won via submission in the first round.

Smith faced Gian Villante on January 7, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine.^[6] He lost via TKO in the first round.

Smith was expected to face Tim Kennedy on November 3, 2012, at Strikeforce: Cormier vs. Mir.^[7] However, the event was cancelled due to injuries to headliner Frank Mir, as well to co-headliner and middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.^[8] This bout eventually took place on January 12, 2013, at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine.^[9] Smith lost via submission in the third round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC debut, Smith faced Ed Herman on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8. He lost the fight via split decision.^[10] Despite the loss on the scorecards, Smith earned his first Fight of the Night bonus award for his performance.^[11]

Smith fought Brian Houston on January 15, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 35.^[12] He won the fight by split decision.

Smith faced Thales Leites on April 11, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 39.^[13] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Smith faced Tor Troéng on July 16, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 46.^[14] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Smith faced Caio Magalhães on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 56.^[15] Smith lost the fight quickly by knockout in the first round.^[16] The stoppage was not without a bit of controversy. Magalhães stunned Smith with a knee and foreced a referee stoppage with multiple follow up punches. It appeared that during the final flurry, several hammerfists landed on the back of Smith's head as he lay unconscious on the canvas. Following the match, Magalhães stated "I didn’t notice that," in reference to the strike to the back of Smith's head. "His coach talked to me after the fight, said I punched the back of his head, but I didn’t notice it. The referee should have stepped in if he saw something, but he was already out from the punch and knee I landed."^[17]

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling

• National Collegiate Athletic Association^[18]
  • Big 12 Conference 197 lb: 4th place out of Iowa State University (2004)
• National Junior College Athletic Association^[19]
  • NJCAA All-American out of Highline Community College (2002)
  • NJCAA 197 lb: 3rd place out of Highline Community College (2002)
• Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association
  • 189 lb Washington state champion (out of Mark Morris High School) (2000)

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Fight of the Night (One time)

Mixed martial arts record

See also

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

References