As they make their way to Las Vegas for Saturday's fight card, Cole Smith and Hunter Azure find themselves facing similar challenges heading into their matchup.
Both Smith (7-1) of Canada and Azure (8-1) of the United States aim to bounce back from their inaugural professional setbacks when they meet in a bantamweight matchup at UFC on ESPN+ 34.
Smith's most recent cage appearance ended in a split decision loss to Miles Johns at UFC Vancouver last September. The event took place at Rogers Arena, a short distance from Smith's hometown of Squamish, B.C.
At 31 years old, Smith reflected on that night and acknowledged he didn't deliver his best performance, attributing much of it to becoming overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.
"There was a tremendous amount of weight on my shoulders during that final fight," Smith told MMA Empire in an interview. "Multiple factors were at play—it was only my second UFC appearance, I was fighting in Rogers Arena, representing my home country, and I had countless messages pouring in."
"I allowed myself to get trapped in my own head, and that carried through into the octagon. You could plainly see it. I was trying to force things, searching desperately for a finish. I walked away unsatisfied. The defeat wasn't because Miles was superior. I lost because I stepped in and didn't give my absolute best."
Azure, 28, arrives at Saturday's fight fresh off a second-round knockout defeat to Brian Kelleher at UFC Jacksonville.
Despite suffering his first defeat since turning amateur in 2014, Azure views the experience as a valuable lesson that has ultimately strengthened his overall game.
"I came out feeling strong and delivered a solid performance, but in our sport, a single mistake can change everything," Azure shared with MMA Empire.
"What matters most is what I learned. I realized I can't rely solely on my hands or my wrestling—I need to be complete, incorporate every element of my skillset, and let those pieces work together."
No Big Deal for Smith
Outside of a handful of exceptions—fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Israel Adesanya—maintaining an unbeaten record at the sport's elite level proves nearly impossible.
Though the loss stung, Smith hasn't let the idea of losing his undefeated status consume him.
"A loss is a loss, and it doesn't bother me. Every top-tier fighter carries a loss on their record, barring Khabib," Smith explained.
"I believe people place too much emphasis on undefeated records. Everyone falls eventually. I'm still early in my career—this was only my eighth professional bout—so I'm not letting it weigh me down."
Throughout his MMA career, Smith has demonstrated versatility across all phases of combat, boasting three submission victories, one knockout win, and multiple commanding decision wins.
While Smith holds respect for Azure's abilities, he considers himself the more complete fighter between them.
"I've got more weapons at my disposal," Smith said. "He throws kicks and does some of those techniques, but they're not particularly sharp. His hands work well, and his wrestling is solid, but I see myself as the more complete package."
"I expect my height and reach advantage will allow me to control distance more effectively."
Ever since joining the UFC in early 2019, Smith's hometown of Squamish and the greater Vancouver area have attracted increasing attention from the organization. After Smith's signing, fellow training partner Tristan Connelly received his own UFC invitation, while two other gymmates, Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels and Achilles Estremadura, are scheduled to debut on Dana White's Contender Series within weeks.
According to Smith, the energy and drive within his gym have reached unprecedented levels, and it feels rewarding to watch his teammates gain recognition.
"When I arrived, folks finally understood it was achievable because I invested heavily in local gyms, unlike others from my area who trained overseas for extended periods," Smith noted.
"Now that I've broken through, everyone recognizes they have a real opportunity right here. The motivation and preparation have elevated for everyone involved, and it's been fantastic for the whole community."
Azure Finds Extra Motivation
Competing under the biggest banner in MMA against the world's finest fighters, Azure insists he doesn't require any additional motivation to step into the cage on fight night.
Yet, bouncing back from his first loss in six years, Azure acknowledges an added layer of determination this time.
"That loss ignited something deeper in me," Azure said.
"Every fighter experiences defeats—it's inherent to the sport. How you handle it defines the difference."
This marks Azure's second appearance in the UFC under the league's fanless format, implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Having already navigated the enhanced health and safety procedures and experienced fighting without spectators, Azure says he feels considerably more comfortable this time.
"Last time, I showed up, adapted, and reacted to whatever unfolded. Now, I understand the landscape, and the UFC handles everything smoothly," Azure shared.
"We have access to the UFC Performance Institute and the UFC Apex for training, which means we'll have far more resources available in Vegas compared to our previous camp in Florida."
Like Smith, Azure has established himself as a well-rounded competitor inside the octagon, accumulating three knockouts, one submission victory, and the remaining wins by decision.
Approaching Saturday's bout, Azure expressed confidence in his ability to secure victory however the fight unfolds, and he believes he holds advantages across every phase.
"I genuinely believe I hold the upper hand in every dimension of this matchup. I'm confident in the work I've put in, I'm evolving as a mixed martial artist, and improving in every area," Azure stated.
"I respect what he brings to the table, but examining his last two performances, I see clear advantages in all facets."
Shoutouts to Smith
"I'd like to thank the town of Squamish, Sunny Chiba's, and Allen Golaiy at True Grit Drywall." Connect with Smith on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Shoutouts to Azure
"I'd like to thank my team at Fight Ready for preparing me thoroughly." Follow Azure on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
