Dana White criticizes Dmitrii Smoliakov's performance in defeat to Greg Hardy: 'It was weird!'

D. White criticizes the performance of D. Smoliakov (right) against Greg hardy. Photo: Reproduction/Facebbok UFC

UFC president Dana White revealed his disappointment with the performance of Russian Dmitrii Smoliakov in the penultimate fight of the UFC Fort Lauderdale. Dana commented on the fight at the conference after the event, which took place last Saturday (27), in the United States. At the time, The Russian was defeated by knockout in the first round and had no difficulties against Greg hardy.

See too

Ultimate announces UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi for September 7th

Glover Teixeira and Alex Cowboy receive R$196 in bonuses after UFC Fort Lauderdale

Video: Watch the best moments of Ronaldo Jacaré's defeat against Jack Hermansson at UFC Fort Lauderdale

'I'm not going to say I loved that fight. You (press) know that I have been doing this for 20 years. We don't match fights for just any athlete. I don't know who that guy has beaten, but I'd like to see the nine fighters he's defeated. That was strange', criticized the agent.

Dmitrii had debuted in the UFC heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) in 2016, when he was defeated by Brazilian Luís KLB via submission in the second round. After the fight, the Russian returned to the UFC octagon to face Cyril Asker, when he was defeated again; this time, by knockout, in the first round, in January 2017. With the new defeat, Smoliakov was fired, but returned to the company to face the former American football player, Greg hardy, UFC Fort Lauderdale last weekend.

Against Hardy, Dmitrii demonstrated unusual apathy in combat. The Russian was punished throughout the beginning of the fight and went to the ground after just over a minute of fighting, being defeated again by knockout.

Before the fight last Saturday, Dmitrii had a record of 11 fights, nine wins and two losses. The 36-year-old athlete, however, did not justify his number of assets in actions, being harshly criticized by the press and MMA fans. For many, it was a mistake to marry the two fighters representing the co-main event.

'No, I mean, that guy's record is 9-2,' White said. I'd like to see the nine guys he beat, they could be in this room right now, actually', criticized White, casting doubt on the quality of the fighters beaten by Smoliakov.

After the criticism and new defeat, Dmitrii's stay in Ultimate is completely in check.