Billam-Smith beats Rozicki by TKO at UK Zuffa debut

In a brutal and grueling contest, British fighter Chris Billam-Smith defeated Canada’s Ryan Rozicki by technical knockout in the seventh round on Saturday night. The victory headlined the inaugural United Kingdom event for Zuffa Boxing, the promotional company led by UFC president Dana White, at the Bournemouth International Centre.

The fight was stopped after Billam-Smith landed a series of hooks at the end of the seventh round, causing Rozicki to stumble back to his corner. Rozicki’s team then threw in the towel, prompting Billam-Smith to climb the ropes in celebration. Both fighters required medical attention in the ring afterward, with Rozicki receiving oxygen before the two embraced. Officials later confirmed both men were taken directly to a hospital following the bout.

Billam-Smith, a former WBO cruiserweight champion, secured his 22nd professional win in 24 fights. His coach, Shane McGuigan, described the challenge posed by Rozicki’s power and praised his fighter’s resilience. The contest was fast-paced and physical from the opening bell, with Rozicki being warned for using his head in the first round and deducted a point in the second for the same infraction. Both men...