Former heavyweight champion will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Smith will be part of the UFC Hall of Fame. (Photo: Disclosure)

Former fighter Maurice Smith is another name to join the select group of UFC Hall of Fame. Former heavyweight champion of the organization, Smith will be in the “Pioneers” category, aimed at athletes who debuted in Ultimate before November 17, 2000. The ceremony that will honor the veteran will be held on July 6, in Las Vegas, during the International Fight Week.

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Maurice won the company's heavyweight belt in his debut, when he shocked the world by defeating the previously unbeatable Mark Coleman at UFC 14, in 1997. He also defended the belt against Tank Abbott, at UFC 15, but was dethroned by Randy Couture next.

“It will be an honor to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame and be forever linked to the sport. I was the first elite striker to win a UFC belt, and I only achieved that because I trained with great partners who helped me become a more complete fighter. I'm proud of the titles I won in MMA, but having helped develop the sport until it reached what it is today is my greatest achievement”, declared the fighter.

The ceremony in July will honor another important name in the history of MMA: the experienced Urijah faber, which will enter the class of the modern era.