Anthony Smith has spent the better part of six years ranking among the UFC's best light heavyweights, but some struggles have suddenly made him the subject of several callouts.
Despite the fact that all three of his last four losses have come against top-15 opponents, the one-time UFC title challenger has plenty to do if he is to climb back toward the top of the division. I know there are things left. Unfortunately, Smith has experienced some setbacks, which has led to the names of many prospects being mentioned, including his next opponent, Vitor Petrino.
On paper, Petrino's resume doesn't compare to Smith's, but the 35-year-old veteran was nonetheless determined to answer the challenge for one specific reason.
“I’m not a name that’s going to be looked at like a wounded lion who builds a name for himself with a name and a certain amount of tenure with the company,” Smith told MMA Fighting. “So I'm going to put it to bed now. We're going to finish it.”
On his SiriusXM radio show in the lead-up to UFC 301, Smith said he was “upset” that Petrino called him out and refused to “be the new Neil Magny.”
While Magny went on a rant, Smith's explanation highlighted how the welterweight veteran has become the most sought-after fighter for those looking to make a name for themselves at 170 pounds. Not only did Magny establish himself as a top-15 ranked fighter, he was always willing to accept any challenge that came his way.
Smith didn't mean to insult Magny. Especially after he appeared to quiet down the loudest welterweight division by defeating up-and-coming Mike Marotte in his last fight. After Smith defeated Petrino on Saturday, he hopes to do the same.
“How many up-and-comers have called out Neil since his last fight? That's right. Fucking zero,” Smith said. “Because they say, 'Oh, okay, don't worry about it, he still has something left in the tank, he's got a problem.'” So maybe I'm better. Maybe I have a better skill set, maybe I'm better at this, maybe I'm more athletic, but Neil Magny isn't going to disappear. , he's just poached one of the hottest prospects in the division. That's exactly what I want to do. Leave me alone. That's what I want. I want them to leave me alone.
“It's my responsibility. I put myself in that position. So it's up to me to change the narrative. That's exactly what I want to do. That's why he called me. I was immediately on the phone with Mick Maynard and said, “Perfect, let's go.''
Smith didn't even blink when Petrino asked to face him, and truth be told, the Brazilian might be a little grateful that the matchup actually happened.
Deep down, Smith knew he didn't have to answer the phone or travel all the way to Brazil for the next game, but he ultimately accepted the idea.
“Honestly, if he called me out and I didn't respond, he wouldn't have played in that game,” Smith said. “But the moment he called out to me, I remembered all those things in my head. UFC 301 is exactly the timeline I want to fight in. I want to win in Brazil. UFC 301 is my In the exact timeline he wants to fight, on pay-per-view, he's Brazilian.
“He's the type of guy I want to fight. I liked the style matchup and he called me out. So I immediately told Mick Maynard, 'If I get ranked on Tuesday, , I'm going to fight him in Brazil.” That's exactly what happened. ”
While he understands the rumors out there that he's been a little out of sorts lately, Smith promises that that couldn't be further from the truth.
Although his record may not reflect it, Smith still believes he can beat anyone at 205 pounds in the UFC. He's responsible for the fact that fighters like Petrino now feel emboldened enough to reach out to him and realistically believe the fight could happen.
It all makes sense, but Smith only wants to end that nonsense in a violent way.
“This is over,” Smith said. “I've given up. This is it. We're going to crush this right then and there. It's not over yet. At least in the gym, I'm feeling as good as ever. I feel really good. I'm moving really well. My conditioning is good. I'm still learning and being able to adjust and change my game.
“I'm getting older little by little, so there are some things I have to adapt to. That's just a few things. But I haven't lost any speed. My reaction time still seems good, so I'm still watching. I'm not really devastated. I don't want to jinx myself because I still have a few days left, but I'm not fired up. Everything is going really, really well.”
