Patrick Smith had safety concerns. | File Photo: Peter Lockley/Sherdog.com
1. Patrick Smith vs. Fabio Gurgel
World Vale Tudo Championship 3
Jan. 19, 1997 | Sao Paulo, Brazil
Gurgel shot in during the opening moments and tried to take down the American. Smith wanted nothing to do with the Brazilian on the ground and decided to clinch on the ropes to prevent the takedown. Gurgel was relentless and tried like a wild man to get the kickboxer off his feet. Smith delivered several right elbows to his foe’s shoulder and neck area, all while clinging to the ropes with a death grip. Then, out of nowhere, a fan sporting a Gurgel T-shirt jumped onto the ring apron and tried to pry Smith loose.
Smith quit on the spot. With his back in the corner, he vehemently demanded that the fight he stopped, all while Gurgel continued to hold onto him. Smith tapped the Brazilian’s back several times and yelled at the referee, pointing to Gurgel, the ropes and the rogue spectator. No one -- outside of Smith, Gurgel and the referee -- knows exactly what was said, but it seems safe to assume that Smith quit because he felt unsafe surrounded by a crowd of potential lone wolves.
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