UFC pioneer Patrick Smith was there at the beginning and 16 years later the ageless wonder is still going strong as he prepares to fight another UFC veteran, super heavyweight Kevin “The Shamnan” Jordan (11-8-0), in the Super Fight on American Steel Cagefighting’s (ASC) first professional mixed martial arts show, July 31 at the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire.

Smith (16-13-0), now fighting out of Milburn, Oklahoma, lost a tough fight to Ken Shamrock in UFC 1. He came back strong in UFC 2, winning three fights in a row, before eventually losing in the championship match to legendary Royce Gracie. Patrick’s most notable wins have been against Rudyard Moncayo in UFC 6 and last year versus Eric “Butterbean” Esch.

Reflecting on his MMA career that Smith believes has taken off again, Patrick clearly is proud of where he’s been, as well as confident about where he’s headed. “I look at it and say, ‘Wow,’ because this sport is now the fastest growing in the country,” Patrick said. “I’m still here and doing very well. I’m more of an all-around fighter now, not just a good Muay Thai fighter and kick boxer. My body’s still good. (UFC president) Dana (White) keeps telling me to beat somebody more accomplished. I just beat Brad Imes in 28 seconds (TKO, March 13). I busted him up and did a lot of things to him in 28 seconds. I don’t know what more I can do. I’m outweighed by a lot every time I fight, but I’m still willing and able to fight anybody. Tim Sylvia, Chuck Lidell, Anderson Silva… they’re terrible strikers. They can’t hit me.”

Smith has fought all over the world – Russia, Japan, Brazil and Canada – and across the United States, but never before in New England. “I’m looking forward to coming up there,” Smith added. “I don’t talk trash because anything can happen in the heavyweight division. I’ll be in good shape and will bring my best.”

IFL veteran Nate “The Future” Lamotte (10-4-0), of Manchester (NH), battles dangerous Doug “Flash” Gordon (9-7-0). Also scheduled to clash on the explosive 10-fight ASC card is undefeated New York lightweight Pat Audinwood (7-0-0) vs. “Mr. Big” Al Buck (6-7-0), former Cage Fury Fighting champion; lightweight Damien “The Omen” Trites (2-3-0) vs. Joe Dechaves (3-1-0); pro debuting featherweights Al Germain Sterling vs. Albert Reccio; welterweight Carlos Nieves (3-6-0) vs. Ryan Schieding (3-1-0); Worcester featherweight Evan Parker (1-0-0), Boston welterweight Aaron McKenna in his pro debut, and Boston middleweight John Clark (7-2-0) against opponents to be determined.

All fights are scheduled for three, three-minute rounds; fighters and fights are subject to change. Tickets, priced at $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00, are available to purchase at Stateline Ticket Agency in Salem (NH) and all Two Guys Smoke Shop stores in Salem, Nashua and Seabrook (NH), as well as by calling toll free 888.224.4272 or going on line to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com.

Doors open at 6 PM, first fight at 8 PM. Go to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com for additional information.

American Steel Cage Fighting is co-owned by David Garofalo and Sal LoNano. Garofalo is the proprietor of Two Guys Smoke Shop, in Salem (NH), one of the world’s highest volume independently owned cigar retailer. LoNano, who managed professional boxers “Irish” Micky Ward and former world light welterweight champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, owns S & L Boxing, which has promoted numerous nationally televised pro boxing shows. Gary Marino is the ASC matchmaker.

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