Showdown Fights in UT results – Josh Burkman earns split decision over Jordan Smith

Ten time UFC veteran Josh Burkman (21-8) is finding life outside of the Octagon to be quite comfortable inside the Utah based Showdown Fights cage. Already 2-0 under the Showdown Fights banner Burkman was matched up with 185 pound prospect Jordan Smith (14-1-1) in an event entitled Respect.

In battle of old versus new Utah fight scene Burkman could ill afford a slip up against Smith, if he wanted another shot inside the UFC. Smith on the other hand looked to use Burkman as his signature win on his fight resume. Burkman is perhaps best known for his appearance on season two of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter while Smith had a less glamorous one and done appearance on the 11th incarnation of the series.

After three hard fought Burkman walked away with a close split decision victory over Smith. For Burkman it was his eight decision win of his career, but first via split. With three straight wins Burkman has positioned to be mentioned as a possible UFC call-up in 2011 or even a late injury replacement in 2010.

Unbeaten going into the fight, Smith was a local legend in his own right and despite his brief one fight run on The Ultimate Fighter. Smith has the makings of one of the better prospects to come out Utah in a longtime. A former light heavyweight Smith's gritty grappling style and underrated striking game give him a very good shot a signing on with the UFC or Strikeforce, if he can put together another solid win streak.

Smith is ranked number 23 in ULTMMA50; a pound for pound listing of the top 50 unsigned prospects in MMA.

On the undercard ex Ultimate Fighter season eight star Junie Browning (4-4) dropped his third straight bout. Local 19 year old Utah lightweight prospect Jordan Clements (6-1) went toe to toe with Browning throughout a frantic round one for both men. Clements eventually wore out Browning and pounded out the Kentucky badboy in the finals seconds of the opening period.

The 5'9 Clements has now won four fights in a row dating back to November 2009.

Showdown Fights Respect results
Orem, UT

Josh Burkman def. Jordan Smith by split decision
Tandi Schaeffer def. Melissa Moore by TKO 1:38 R2
Steven Siler def. Dennis Davis by submission triangle choke 1:22 R1
Jordan Clements def. Junie Browning by TKO 4:58 R1
Ty Lee def. Kasey Jackson by TKO 0:27 R1
Jan Jorgenson def. Jerzy Siewierski by TKO 1:48 R3
Ramsey Nijem def. Scottie Casey by submission rear naked choke 2:48 R1
Josh Bateman def. Donny Oliver by submission rear naked choke R1