Anthony Smith News
Anthony Smith explains why taking the belt from Alex Pereira "would mean more" to him
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2023
Anthony Smith believes he could get a title shot with a win at UFC Vegas 83. Smith stepped up on short notice to face Khalil Rountree in the co-main event on Saturday. It’s a key fight for the division, and although Jamahal Hill is likely to be next in line, Smith thinks he can make it clear he’s next in line with a great performance on Saturday.
Anthony Smith doesn't think Jon Jones owes anyone anything amid Tom Aspinall's call to have UFC champion stripped
Fernando Quiles - December 7, 2023
Anthony Smith doesn’t feel Jon Jones should be stripped of the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Interim titleholder Tom Aspinall has been calling for Jones to vacate the gold due to suffering a torn pectoral muscle, which forced his planned title defense against Stipe Miocic off the UFC 295 card. Aspinall ended up knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in just over one minute to lay claim to the interim gold.
Michael Bisping explains why he’s picking Anthony Smith to defeat Khalil Rountree on short notice
Susan Cox - November 27, 2023
Michael Bisping is explaining why he’s picking Anthony Smith to defeat Khalil Rountree on short notice. It was to be Khalil Rountree (13-5 MMA) vs Azamat Murzakanov (13-0 MMA) in a light heavyweight bout this coming Saturday, December 2nd.
Anthony Smith claims Alex Pereira’s “stoic serial killer” look is just an act: “No you’re not”
Susan Cox - November 9, 2023
Anthony Smith claims Alex Pereira’s ‘stoic serial killer’ look is just an act. This Saturday, November 11th will see Alex Pereira (8-2 MMA) facing former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka (29-3 MMA) in the main event for the vacant light heavyweight belt at UFC 295 which takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Anthony Smith explains why there was no foul in Islam Makhachev’s knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski: “The rule is that you can't target the back of the head”
Harry Kettle - October 27, 2023
UFC fighter Anthony Smith has explained why there was nothing wrong with Islam Makhachev’s finishing sequence against Alexander Volkanovski. Last weekend at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev knocked Alexander Volkanovski out and successfully retained the UFC lightweight championship. In doing so, he cemented his status as the best 155-pounder in the world.
Anthony Smith claps back at Alex Pereira: "You want a f*****g rival, you got one right here"
Cole Shelton - August 29, 2023
Anthony Smith has responded to Alex Pereira. When it was announced that Pereira would be going up to light heavyweight, Smith said it was a fight he would love to have, but also thought the Brazilian would struggle at 205lbs. That didn’t sit well with Pereira would took to his YouTube channel to take aim at Smith in a lengthy rant.
Alex Pereira sounds off on “washed up” Anthony Smith for bashing other fighters: “He never amounted to anything”
Fernando Quiles - August 28, 2023
Alex Pereira has some scathing words for fellow UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith. Pereira has caught wind of comments made by “Lionheart.” Smith expressed his belief that “Poatan” isn’t as intimidating at light heavyweight as he was in the middleweight division. Smith is known for being vocal about his takes, while insisting he never intends to be disrespectful.
Pros react after Anthony Smith defeats Ryan Spann at UFC Singapore
Chris Taylor - August 26, 2023
Today’s UFC Singapore co-main event featured a light heavyweight rematch between Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann. The pair had previously collided in September of 2021, with ‘Lionheart’ emerging victorious by way of first-round submission.
Anthony Smith says he wouldn’t still be fighting if he didn’t believe he could become a UFC champion: “The whole reason I’m still here and still in this journey is the title”
Susan Cox - August 25, 2023
Anthony Smith is sharing that he wouldn’t still be fighting if he didn’t still believe he could become a UFC champion. It will be Anthony Smith (36-18 MMA) in a rematch with Ryan Spann (21-8 MMA) this Saturday, August 26th at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, in Singapore.
Anthony Smith says taking Ryan Spann rematch shows he's like Donald Cerrone by fighting "anybody, anytime, anyplace"
Cole Shelton - August 23, 2023
Anthony Smith said he wanted to be a bigger Donald Cerrone and he feels like he’s showing that. Smith is set to rematch Ryan Spann in the co-main event of UFC Singapore on Saturday. The two fought back in September of 2021 with Smith winning by first-round submission. Since then, Smith has lost back-to-back fights to Magomed Anklaaev and Johnny Walker.
Anthony Smith “not impressed” with the Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul boxing match: “They sh*t the bed”
Harry Kettle - August 10, 2023
UFC fighter Anthony Smith has admitted that he wasn’t impressed by the Nate Diaz vs Jake Paul boxing match. Last weekend, Nate Diaz made his pro boxing debut when he went head to head with Jake Paul. While he did have a few fun moments, he ultimately came up short in a lop-sided decision. ‘The Problem Child’ had his hand raised, whereas Diaz has left fans questioning what his next move will be.
Anthony Smith blames TUF 31 editing for falsely portraying Conor McGregor
Susan Cox - July 4, 2023
Anthony Smith is blaming The Ultimate Fighter 31 editing team for falsely portraying Conor McGregor. TUF 31 has seen coach Conor McGregor’s team winless in the first five matches of the season. That of course means opposing coach Michael Chandler’s team are riding high with no losses to date.
Anthony Smith thinks Kamaru Usman is in for a "tough fight" against Khamzat Chimaev
Fernando Quiles - May 26, 2023
Anthony Smith believes it could be tough sledding for Kamaru Usman in a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev. Usman, the former UFC Welterweight Champion, has been calling to fight Chimaev. “Borz” has responded, also expressing his desire for the matchup. The initial holdup appears to have been Usman wanting to make it a catchweight fight. With that said, UFC President Dana White insists “The Nigerian Nightmare” is pounding the table for the match.
Johnny Walker still confused by Anthony Smith's mid-fight comments: "I haven't attacked anyone's family"
Josh Evanoff - May 24, 2023
UFC light-heavyweight contender Johnny Walker is still confused by Anthony Smith’s mid-fight comments. The Brazilian is fresh off his return at UFC Charlotte earlier this month. There, Walker faced ‘Lionheart’, who entered the fight after a loss to Magomed Ankalaev last July. Heading into their co-main event showcase earlier this month, both men were hoping to earn a potential title shot.
Anthony Smith hits back at retirement talk after loss to Johnny Walker: "Not going out like that"
Josh Evanoff - May 17, 2023
UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith isn’t going anywhere. ‘Lionheart’ returned to the octagon over the weekend against Johnny Walker at UFC Charlotte. There, Smith suffered his second straight loss by unanimous decision. The former title challenger had previously lost by second-round knockout to Magomed Ankalaev last July at UFC 277.
Anthony Smith admits he has a "glaring hole" in his game following Johnny Walker loss
Lewis Simpson - May 17, 2023
In the wake of his defeat to Johnny Walker at UFC Charlotte, Anthony Smith has admitted he has a “glaring hole” in his game. On Saturday past, Smith and Walker met at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The light heavyweight contest was scheduled for three rounds after being demoted to the co-headliner, with Jailton Almedia and Jairinzho Rozenstruik taking the main event spot.
Anthony Smith issues classy statement following loss to Johnny Walker at UFC on ABC 4
Chris Taylor - May 13, 2023
Anthony Smith has issued a classy statement following his unanimous decision loss to Johnny Walker at UFC on ABC 4. Smith (36-18 MMA) had entered the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a TKO loss to Magomed Ankalaev in most previous Octagon appearance last July. Prior to that setback, ‘Lionheart’ was riding a three-fight win streak which included stoppage victories over Devin Clark, Jimmy Crute and Ryan Spann.
Pros react after Johnny Walker defeats Anthony Smith at UFC on ABC 4
Chris Taylor - May 13, 2023
Today’s UFC on ABC 4 event was co-headlined by a light heavyweight matchup between Antony Smith and Johnny Walker. Smith (36-18 MMA) had entered the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a TKO loss to Magomed Ankalaev in most previous Octagon appearance last July. Prior to that setback, ‘Lionheart’ was riding a three-fight win streak which included stoppage victories over Devin Clark, Jimmy Crute and Ryan Spann.