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When Anthony “Lionheart” Smith announced that Saturday night’s fight against Zhang Mingyang would be his final fight, he didn’t envision things going the way they did during the co-main event of UFC Kansas City.
Zhang destroyed Smith in the first round, leaving him bloodied in the middle of the Octagon, ushering the veteran of 60 pro MMA fights out of the sport in the most unceremonious way possible.
Here is a look at the finish as well as a shot of Smith’s gloves left in the center of the Octagon.
To be honest, I can’t ever remember a fighter announcing their retirement fight beforehand and being beaten more soundly than Smith was on Saturday. It was a bit cringeworthy.
The UFC and the near-16,000 people in attendance at the T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City helped to soften the blow. The UFC played a tribute video for Smith with his family and training partners by his side in the Octagon.
The video featured Hard Fought Hallelujah by Jelly Roll, with a foreword by the award-winning music artist and tributes from Smith’s UFC announcing colleagues Laura Sanko, Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and others.
The video also included shots of Smith’s late trainer and best friend, Scott Morton.
Here is a look at Smith’s speech after the loss.
After the UFC’s video played, many in the UFC and MMA community took to social media to pay their respects.
Smith spent a career in the UFC taking on challenges that few others would. Saturday’s outcome wasn’t the storybook ending he might have wanted, but it underscored just how brutal the fight game can be.
Smith’s story is outstanding. It is one of resilience and getting the most out of what one has. However, while he did once challenge for the UFC light heavyweight championship, Smith is not a Hall-of-Famer.
Fans can become prisoners of the moment at times like this, but it simply doesn’t fit in this case. Smith has a career record of 37-22 and he is 13-12 in the UFC. While his longevity should be celebrated, and he does an excellent job as an analyst, that’s not a Hall-of-Fame resume. However, that’s far more than most people will accomplish in the sport.
UFC fans who have watched Smith’s career unfold in real time were at the heart of Saturday night’s emotional farewell. There’s something about a fighter who never ducked an opponent and always showed up that creates a lasting connection. That’s what made Smith’s departure sting a little more, even if we knew it was coming.
The biggest ripple effect lands on Smith himself, but it also touches the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Smith had become a familiar name in the Top 10 for years, and his departure opens up new space for up-and-coming fighters to break into the rankings. It also affects the UFC’s broadcast team, where Smith will now be a full-time presence.
Leading up to the fight, Smith made it clear that this would be his final bout. He didn’t dodge questions about it during fight week and seemed comfortable in the decision. What no one expected was just how quickly the fight would unravel for him. Zhang showed up ready to ruin the send-off, and he did exactly that.
Smith will now return full-time to his analyst duties with the UFC. His insight and ability to communicate the nuances of the sport have already made him a standout on broadcasts. With his fighting career officially behind him, Smith will have the opportunity to continue making his mark in the MMA world without absorbing the punishment that defined so much of his time inside the Octagon–most recently on Saturday night.
