User blog comment:Thundrtri/Season 2 episode 14: Venator (Gladiator Animal Fighters) VS Smilodon (Saber tooth tiger)/@comment-4476906-20130625023913

Like Leo said, Smilodons rely on stealth, which they won't have in an arena. The Smilodon might be able to strike the Venator two or three times, but the Venator will be able to stab the tar out of the Smilodon.

Basically, if the Venator can ward off the Smilodon for most of the round with his shield and spear, he'll kill the Smilodon in a couple swift stabs with his Gladius