Longtime UFC mild heavyweight contender Anthony Smith hasn’t retired but.
“Lionheart” made his return to the Octagon on the principle card of UFC 310 in Las Vegas final month. Anthony Smith, making his first return since an early loss to Roman Dorise in June, took on Dominick Reyes. In the meantime, “The Devastator” got here into the bout contemporary off a knockout win over Dustin Jacoby in the summertime.
Simply weeks earlier than recreation day, Anthony Smith’s life modified dramatically. His longtime coach, Scott Morton, handed away instantly. The previous title challenger debated withdrawing, however as an alternative continued the struggle. At UFC 310, Reyes dominated Smith, scoring a second-round stoppage victory in a bout that was tough to observe.
After the struggle, an emotional Anthony Smith appeared to announce his retirement contained in the cage. The 36-year-old admitted that the choice was not last, however added that “Lionheart” would discover it tough to compete long-term with out Morton. Greater than a month after that emotional evening, Smith has modified her thoughts.
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Anthony Smith talks about why he had a change of coronary heart on retiring from MMA.
We’ll have one other battle with Lionheart! pic.twitter.com/OlYICQl01x
— About Anthony Smith’s paper (@theonpaperpod) January 16, 2025
Anthony Smith displays on his retirement feedback after emotional loss at UFC 310
“Lionheart” spoke in regards to the loss on the newest version of his podcast, “On Paper with Anthony Smith.” There, the previous UFC mild heavyweight title challenger revealed his plans to proceed preventing. After a visit to Puerto Rico, Smith determined he needed to struggle once more. The 36-year-old would not need his followers’ final reminiscence of him being crying in a cage after such a surprising loss.
“Whereas I used to be in Puerto Rico, I used to be diving,” Anthony Smith mentioned on his podcast, reflecting on his loss at UFC 310. “…you are 70 ft deep with a fantastic view of your environment. Throw in a bit of, little factor and you may like, ‘Okay, bitch, you are right here. What do you need to do?’ Diving. That was the one time I may shut out the entire world.”
He continued, “Simply deal with this one factor and absorb (the story) a bit of bit…My first thought was, ‘I can not try this.’ I cried throughout the strike. Whereas stepping into the octagon, I am screaming too loud. I used to be so upset that I could not even have a look at my youngsters, and I wished to really feel one thing greater than unhappiness, so I let the man punch me within the face, saying I can not retire like this. Probably not! I hope there are some favorable circumstances.”
What do you consider these feedback from the UFC mild heavyweight? Do you need to see Anthony Smith struggle subsequent?
(Tag translation)Anthony Smith
