Trevor Smith (fighter)

Background

Smith was born in Vancouver, Washington and lived there for part of his upbringing. Smith was a state champion in wrestling at Mark Morris High School in Longview, Washington and a NJCAA All-American out of Highline Community College in 2002. He then continued his career at Iowa State University, where he earned NCAA Division I All-American honors and a bachelor's degree in marketing.

Early career

Smith started his career in 2009. He fought mainly for organizations within his home state. With a MMA record of 7–1, losing only once to Devin Cole, he signed with Strikeforce.

Strikeforce

Smith made his debut on June 24, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Fodor vs. Terry against Keith Berry. He won via technical submission in the second round.

Smith faced T. J. Cook on November 18, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Britt vs. Sayers. He won via submission in the first round.

Smith faced Gian Villante on January 7, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. He lost via TKO in the first round.

Smith was expected to face Tim Kennedy on November 3, 2012, at Strikeforce: Cormier vs. Mir. However, the event was cancelled due to injuries to headliner Frank Mir, as well to co-headliner and middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. This bout eventually took place on January 12, 2013, at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine. Smith lost via submission in the third round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC debut, Smith faced Ed Herman on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8. He lost the fight via split decision. Despite the loss on the scorecards, Smith earned his first Fight of the Night bonus award for his performance.

Smith fought Brian Houston on January 15, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 35. He won the fight by split decision.

Smith faced Thales Leites on April 11, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 39. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Smith faced Tor Troéng on July 16, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 46. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Smith faced Caio Magalhães on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 56. Smith lost the fight quickly by knockout in the first round. The stoppage was not without a bit of controversy. Magalhães stunned Smith with a knee and forced a referee stoppage after landing a barrage of follow up punches. It appeared that during the final flurry, several hammerfists landed on the back of Smith's head as he lay unconscious on the canvas. Following the match, Magalhães stated "I didn’t notice that," in reference to the strike to the back of Smith's head. "His coach talked to me after the fight, said I punched the back of his head, but I didn’t notice it. The referee should have stepped in if he saw something, but he was already out from the punch and knee I landed."

Smith faced Dan Miller on July 12, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. He won the fight via lop-sided unanimous decision.

Smith was expected to face promotional newcomer Leonardo Augusto Guimarães on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83. However, Smith pulled out of the fight in early February citing a hand injury and was replaced by Anthony Smith.

Smith next faced promotional newcomer Joe Gigilotti on August 6, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 92. He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.

Smith faced Andrew Sanchez on December 9, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 102. He lost the fight by unanimous decision..

Smith faced Chris Camozzi on May 28, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 109. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Smith is expected to face promotional newcomer Ramazan Emeev on October 21, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 118.

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts