VIDEO: Godson Of UFC Legend Scores Wheel Kick KO After 3-Year Hiatus

This fighter's first bout in more than three years ended with a highlight-reel finish.

Drew Beaupré | Sep 16, 2023

VIDEO: Godson Of UFC Legend Scores Wheel Kick KO After 3-Year Hiatus /

Devin Smyth made his return to the cage in style when he stopped Jonathan Piersma with a sensational wheel kick in his first fight in more than three years.

“The Prodigy” and Piersma met in the welterweight main event of LFA 167, which saw one of the United States' top regional promotions head to Niagara Falls, New York.

Smyth made his debut for the LFA in 2020 and was stopped in the second round, handing him back-to-back losses after also losing a decision on his Dana White's Contender Series appearance the previous year.

The 28-year-old is the godson of former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, and Smyth had “Suga” in his corner when he returned after a three-year layoff and finished Piersma less than a minute into their main event bout.

DEVIN SMYTH JUST DID THAT 💥 #LFA167 pic.twitter.com/ykHfONvKKh
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 16, 2023

“The Prodigy” quickly got to work pressuring Piersma, and after backing the 27-year-old to the cage with effective feints, Smyth uncorked a beautiful wheel kick that left his opponent face down on the canvas.

The highlight-reel victory was an incredible way for Smyth to snap his two-fight skid and return from a lengthy layoff. The 28-year-old also ended Piersma’s three-fight winning streak and set a mark for the fastest finish of his pro career.

The LFA is one of the top proving grounds for fighters that eventually go on to compete in the UFC, and after returning with such an amazing finish many fans will certainly be interested to see if Smyth is able to follow in his legendary coach’s footsteps and eventually make the jump to the sport’s premier stage.

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Published Sep 16, 2023