Anthony Smith has been in the UFC for a while now. However, he does not plan to leave anytime soon. Smith recently expressed that he feels he is as good now as he’s ever been. He has a fight coming up this week. But in the meantime, he has put down any rumors of retirement anytime soon.
Anthony Smith recently sat down for a conversation on the MMAFightingonSBN YouTube channel. Smith has been in the promotion since the Strikeforce days in 2011. During the discussion, Smith responded to potential retirement talks now.
I’m not done. At least in the gym, I’m as good now as I’ve ever been… As I’m getting a little bit older there are some things I gotta adjust to, that’s just part of it. But I haven’t lost my speed, my reaction time is so good.”
Anthony Smith on MMaAfightingonSBN
Smith has won one of his last four fights. He had a viral knockdown loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. However, he is looking forward to his upcoming fight against Vitor Petrino.
Anthony Smith declares “he’s not done” ahead of his return at UFC 301:
“I’m as good now as I’ve ever been. … I haven’t lost my speed, my reaction time is so good.” pic.twitter.com/nhvnAnij7m
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 29, 2024
Anthony Smith was pretty active last year. He fought Johnny Walker and went the distance but lost by unanimous decision. His next fight was a rematch with Ryan Spann which he won again, this time by split decision. His final fight of the year was against Rountree Jr. which ended in the third round of UFC Vegas 83.
Anthony Smith was not too happy about Vitor Petrino
Anthony Smith does not like being underestimated because of his age. The 35-year-old was “offended” when Vitor Petrino called him out for their upcoming fight this May. He said that 26-year-old Petrino had called him out because he felt Smith would be an easy fight.
Anthony Smith lost the fight at UFC Fight Night 233 (Image via X)I’m offended. Why didn’t he call out someone higher-ranked? Why didn’t he call out Rakic?… you think you can beat me. You’re not sure about the other ones and that pisses me off… I’m not done. I’m not the old wounded lion that’s just pacing around waiting to be killed by the younger ones. That’s not me.
Anthony Smith on SiriusXM’s MMA Today
🔥SHOTS FIRED🔥
“My plan, when this all done, is to not have another young guy open his f**king mouth, with my name in it again.
Anthony Smith on why he accepted Vitor Petrino’s public challenge
Source: MMA Today w/Din Thomas & Anthony Smith pic.twitter.com/eChJLOQYzS
— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) March 13, 2024
Smith even said he refuses to be the new Neil Magny. His fight against Petrino is at UFC 301 in Brazil. It will be an interesting fight to see if the UFC veteran’s claims hold to be true in the octagon at Rio de Janeiro.
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