Prospect Watch: Andre Harrison Dominates, Devonte Smith Shows New Weapon
Prospect Watch: Andre Harrison Dominates, Devonte Smith Shows New Weapon
Andre Harrison and Devonte Smith had standout performances on Saturday night.
There is something different to be found when watching touted prospects compete inside the chaos of a mixed martial arts cage.
There are some who are simply meant for larger achievements, and their performances reflect that motivation. Meanwhile, others who possess developed traits struggle against more experienced competition.The ones who pass the test move on to face tougher obstacles, and those who struggle discover there is much more work to be done.
This past Saturday night two prospects at different stages of their respective games put in work, and both emerged victorious for their efforts. Let's take a look at the details.
It may seem strange to throw the prospect label on Andre Harrison, but that's precisely where "The Bull" is at in this point in time. While he's been dominating his opposition, Harrison has done so outside of the spotlight that comes with competing on the biggest stages in his sport. Proof of said dominance has come in Harrison laying claim to championship gold under every promotional banner he's competed in to date. The only lingering strap comes from Professional Fighters League, but those championships won't be crowned until next year.
The undefeated featherweight took a strong step toward the goal by defeating Steven Rodriguez via unanimous decision this past Saturday night at PFL 2 in Everett, Washington. Harrison's wrestling chops and talents in the scramble were too much for the up-and-coming Rodriguez to handle, and Harrison cruised to victory. That said, if there is a knock on Harrison it's his penchant to fighting to the judges' scorecards. Even though his road to those decisions is absolutely dominant, and he's defeated some talented fighters a long the way, Harrison needs to put a stamp on fights like Saturday night's against Rodriguez.
Harrison was clearly the more talented fighter, and that showed at every turn throughout. Here is Harrison's own take on his performance:
"I am not happy with that performance. I know I'm still 17-0 but like I always say, I don't look at the recored I look at the performance and that was not up to my standards. He wasn't really fast, didn't really hit hard and he was nowhere near the opponent Lance (Palmer) was when I fought him. He's the kind of guy I have to get out of there and I didn't do it."
If you don't know the name Devonte Smith, it's time to get to learning and remembering. The Ohio-based lightweight is kinetic energy from start to finish and brings crazy power for a fighter competing in the 155-pound ranks. That said, "Johnny Kage" can get a bit wild from time to time, but it's guaranteed excitement as he's going out for the finish or to be finished his damn self. Kill or be killed mentality at its finest.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXLItonBOow/" hide_caption="0"]
Nevertheless, with Smith's power already established, it's crucial to see growth inside the cage. Having been dealt the first loss of his professional career in his most recent outing, Smith needed to rebound with force this past weekend at IT Fight Series 74. The highly touted prospect squared off with Damonte Robinson, and it was a firefight from the jump. Yet, where Smith has relied on his power to get the job done in past fights, the 23-year-old showed a new wrinkle in his game by breaking out a leg-triangle choke to force the tap.
The post-fight celebration nearly got out of hand, but Smith's performance in the tilt was certainly impressive.
There are some who are simply meant for larger achievements, and their performances reflect that motivation. Meanwhile, others who possess developed traits struggle against more experienced competition.The ones who pass the test move on to face tougher obstacles, and those who struggle discover there is much more work to be done.
This past Saturday night two prospects at different stages of their respective games put in work, and both emerged victorious for their efforts. Let's take a look at the details.
Andre Harrison
Featherweight | 17-0 | 29 years oldIt may seem strange to throw the prospect label on Andre Harrison, but that's precisely where "The Bull" is at in this point in time. While he's been dominating his opposition, Harrison has done so outside of the spotlight that comes with competing on the biggest stages in his sport. Proof of said dominance has come in Harrison laying claim to championship gold under every promotional banner he's competed in to date. The only lingering strap comes from Professional Fighters League, but those championships won't be crowned until next year.
The undefeated featherweight took a strong step toward the goal by defeating Steven Rodriguez via unanimous decision this past Saturday night at PFL 2 in Everett, Washington. Harrison's wrestling chops and talents in the scramble were too much for the up-and-coming Rodriguez to handle, and Harrison cruised to victory. That said, if there is a knock on Harrison it's his penchant to fighting to the judges' scorecards. Even though his road to those decisions is absolutely dominant, and he's defeated some talented fighters a long the way, Harrison needs to put a stamp on fights like Saturday night's against Rodriguez.
Harrison was clearly the more talented fighter, and that showed at every turn throughout. Here is Harrison's own take on his performance:
"I am not happy with that performance. I know I'm still 17-0 but like I always say, I don't look at the recored I look at the performance and that was not up to my standards. He wasn't really fast, didn't really hit hard and he was nowhere near the opponent Lance (Palmer) was when I fought him. He's the kind of guy I have to get out of there and I didn't do it."
FloCombat Grade: B+
Devonte Smith
Lightweight | 5-1 | 23 years oldIf you don't know the name Devonte Smith, it's time to get to learning and remembering. The Ohio-based lightweight is kinetic energy from start to finish and brings crazy power for a fighter competing in the 155-pound ranks. That said, "Johnny Kage" can get a bit wild from time to time, but it's guaranteed excitement as he's going out for the finish or to be finished his damn self. Kill or be killed mentality at its finest.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXLItonBOow/" hide_caption="0"]
Nevertheless, with Smith's power already established, it's crucial to see growth inside the cage. Having been dealt the first loss of his professional career in his most recent outing, Smith needed to rebound with force this past weekend at IT Fight Series 74. The highly touted prospect squared off with Damonte Robinson, and it was a firefight from the jump. Yet, where Smith has relied on his power to get the job done in past fights, the 23-year-old showed a new wrinkle in his game by breaking out a leg-triangle choke to force the tap.
The post-fight celebration nearly got out of hand, but Smith's performance in the tilt was certainly impressive.