Since 2018, Anthony Smith has maintained his spot in the light heavyweight division, transitioning from his earlier focus on middleweight. His most recent UFC match, however, saw him contesting for much more than the usual stakes. Anthony’s UFC 310 match in December was a marked divergence from the norm, as it was one of the rare instances in his 59-match history where his longtime pal and coach, Scott Morton, was absent.
Smith, known for his remarkable resilience and stamina, had a more challenging journey to the Octagon for his collision with Dominick Reyes. The gap left by Morton seemed to take a toll on Smith, and it’s unclear whether he’ll ever completely recuperate from this. Smith may have experienced a technical knockout loss in the second round, but the outcome was not the highlight of that day.
He stepped into the arena with resolve, unfazed by what lay ahead. He revealed, considerably moved, ‘Every single day, my commute to and from practice was filled with tears. The grief was all-consuming, it disrupted clarity of thought. My friend is deeply missed. Post fight, the tears ceased, to a large extent. It felt as though the fight facilitated healing.’
Mid-fight, Smith had a revelation – he wasn’t merely participating in a combat sport; he was engaged in a healing process. At 36, Smith showed remarkable openness about his emotional state leading up to the bout. Despite the less than optimal result, he found a sense of catharsis in the ring, reinforcing his belief in the therapeutic nature of the sport.
Smith’s career in MMA has been defined by his hustle; he has consistently thrown his hat in the ring. The intensity of his emotions after the event hinted to the spectators that this might be the final time they witness Smith in action. Regardless, Smith declared his intention to continue, unwilling to depart the sport spiralled in such emotional turmoil.
He made it known that he is gearing up for his 60th fight, with a caveat – it might be his last venture into the Octagon. In the absence of Morton, Smith had contemplated only competing in three to four more bouts. However, he is now preparing for one final showdown in April, the end result non-withstanding.
Smith’s stance resonates deeply with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s, who expressed his desire to step away from the sport without his father. The same sentiment echoes within Smith, reflecting a shared human experience between the two athletes. With the potential looming finality of his career, Smith is exploring new training methods, ready to engage with a fresh coaching staff and eager to take on innovative learning experiences.