Royce Gracie's UFC 2 rival dies of cancer at 55

P. Smith (right) dies from bladder cancer. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube Zodiac Films

One of the first athletes to enter the octagon in the history of the UFC, Patrick Smith, passed away this Tuesday (18), at the age of 55, due to rare bladder cancer. The athlete competed in three editions of Ultimate. The information was released by the website 'Middle Easy'. The fighter was also known for his kickboxing career.

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Smith developed sarcomatoid carcinoma in the bladder (a type of condition that develops in the cell of an organ), in addition to also suffering from another urothelial carcinoma (tissue that covers part of the urinary canal). In recent weeks, the former fighter's family ran an online campaign to finance Patrick's funeral before the athlete's death was even declared.

As an MMA athlete, Smith faced well-known athletes in the world of martial arts, such as Ken Shanrock and Kimo Leopoldo. The North American can also share the 'battlefield' with great names in Brazilian sport such as Fábio Gurgel and the legends: Marco Ruas and Royce gracie.

The biggest moment in Patrick's career, however, happened in 1994, in the second edition of the UFC. Smith was in the group of 16 athletes to participate in the event and won the right to share the octagon with Royce gracie, UFC 1 champion, in the finals after defeating Ray Wizard, Scott Morris, and Johnny Rhodes in the first three clashes of the day. In the last fight, Smith was submitted by the Brazilian after 1m and 17s of combat.

The last time Patrick competed in an official match was in 2009, at the age of 46. On that occasion, Smith faced the now retired Kevin Jordan and ended up being defeated by unanimous decision from the judges, representing the 'American Steel Cagefighting 1: Battle of the Legends' event, which took place in the United States.

In 1999, Smith had his name involved in a sexual abuse scandal. At the time, the fighter was accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl.

After 16 years in MMA, Patrick had 35 fights in his professional career, with 20 wins and 15 losses. His kickboxing achievements, however, are more expressive. In this sport, Smith played 74 times and won 66 times.

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