Scott Smith (right) hitting Le (photo via Esther Lin / Strikeforce)

By Joshua Molina

It’s not exactly Strikeforce on Showtime, but “The Comeback Kid,” Scott Smith is back.

For the hardcore fans who just like to see a good fight, thank goodness.

Smith fought Mark Matthews in Placerville, at a West Coast Fighting Championship card in front of what looked like a couple hundred people. Smith, of course, was the first man to knock out Cung Le in Strikeforce, and is famous for his dramatic come-from-behind victories over other guys, such as Pete Sell and Benji Radach.

Smith, thankfully, knocked out Matthews in the second round.

He looked quick, lean and cut and like he totally did not belong fighting on such a small scale. Smith survived some early knees to the mid-section, before just overwhelming Matthews with punches at the end of Round 1. The referee stopped the fight at the beginning of Round 2, after Smith hurt Matthews with a left hand and then just wore him down with more punches.

Smith is a fighter and whether it’s in front of 14,000 people or 200, he brings incredible will and desire into the cage.

The announcers talked about Smith’s drinking problems in the past, but now he is sober and ready again.

If a guy like Robbie Lawler can make a comeback, perhaps there’s room for Smith, who can knock anyone out if he hits them. Smith’s own jaw may be in question, but he’s the kind of fighter who makes for good TV.

He’s certainly better and bigger than a gymnasium in Placerville.

Watch the Scott Smith fight here: