The two men battled hard the first round, going toe to toe with great back and forth action, so it came as a bit of a surprise when Smith began to wain in the second round. Lawler took advantage and promptly worked Smith relentlessly against the cage landing blow after blow until Smith wore down and the fight was called.

Smith, for his part, offered no excuses in either the post fight ring interviews or the post fight press conference congratulating Lawler on a great performance.

Smith is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair his injured hand.