UFC fans are bidding goodbye to a beloved star tonight as Anthony Smith finally hung up the gloves after 59 professional fights.
The light-heavyweight contender famously came within inches of getting a DQ win over Jon Jones to end his legendary 205lb title reign in March of 2019. However, he decided to fight on after being hit with an illegal knee in a noble moment that earned him the respect of many fans.
From then on, he had a number of exciting fights but never quite made his way back to world title contention. Now, at the age of 36 and almost 60 fights later he has decided to hang up his gloves at UFC Kansas City.
Anthony Smith was given an emotional video tribute before his clash with Mingyang Zhang in the co-main event of UFC Kansas City on Saturday night. He received a massive welcome to the octagon from the fans in the city where he made his early career.
Smith was cut on his forehead early by Zhang and struggled through the round, eventually being sent to the ground. The Chinese contender almost risked an illegal shot a la Jones, but remained composed as he pushed for the finish.
Eventually the blood became too much and Smith had to succumb to the pressure of his rival to lose his within the first stanza for the only time in his career. After the fact he stuck up the middle finger towards a member of the crowd before attempting to get over the cage.
It appeared that he may have had an issue with a member of the broadcast team or someone in a corner. But commentator Laura Sanko then confirmed that he had an issue with a fan wearing a white t-shirt in the front row.
On route to his shot at Jon Jones’ world title in 2019, Anthony Smith had to overcome some serious challenges. He sent Rashad Evans into retirement in his hometown of Chicago at UFC 225 with a massive knee in the first round.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
A month after landing his first victory in the new weight class, Smith was rewarded for his victory with a spot in the main event of a European UFC fight night against another former champion in Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua in Hamburg, Germany.
Rua was ranked number 8 in the world at the time and was on three-fight win streak before having it snapped by Smith in less than 90 seconds.
Anthony SmithJon JonesMingyang ZhangUFCUFC Kansas City
