Sherdog’s Top 10: Strongest Kickers

Maurice Smith captured the UFC heavyweight crown in 1997. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

9. Maurice Smith

Smith first made his name on the professional kickboxing circuit by winning the World Kickboxing Council and World Kickboxing Association titles in 1983. Nearly 30 years later -- at age 50 -- Smith re-entered the cage at a Resurrection Fighting Alliance event and won by head kick, wiping out Jorge Cordoba in the third round of their clash at RFA 2. He still had it.

The Seattle native made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut against heavyweight champion Mark Coleman as a huge underdog. It was an era in which grapplers and wrestlers ruled the Octagon, and Smith’s penchant for submission defeats did not inspire confidence. Smith had worked to improve his ground game by forming a partnership with Frank Shamrock called The Alliance, and “Mo” scored a victory for standup artists everywhere by shocking Coleman at UFC 14.

Smith, who has also competed in Strikeforce, Pride Fighting Championships, Pancrase and the International Fight League, held the UFC heavyweight crown from July 27, 1997 until Dec. 21, 1997, successfully defending it against David “Tank” Abbott at UFC 15.

Number 8 » Anthony Pettis