The saga between Anthony Smith and UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira continues to get more bizarre by the day. After Smith’s recent win, Pereira issued a $50,000 challenge to grapple him. ‘Lionheart’ is standing firm and ready to accept.
Ariel Helwani interviewed Anthony Smith recently. Smith made it crystal clear that he would take on Pereira in any combat competition, from MMA to boxing to grappling and even video games. The 35-year-old seemed determined to prove he’s got the well-rounded skills to take out the Brazilian knockout artist.
If he wants to fight, box, kickbox, wrestle, f*cking thumb-wrestle, checkers, chess, Halo on Xbox, I don’t give a f*ck. Whatever he wants to do, the answer is yes.
Anthony Smith via The MMA Hour
Pereira was the first to bring up the challenge. According to Smith, he’s simply willing to face the feared striker anywhere, including on the grappling mats. Smith took a cheeky jab at Alex Pereira‘s still-developing ground game. Smith admitted choosing a grappling match with Alex Pereira when asked what competition he’d prefer.
“If he wants to fight, box, kickbox, wrestle, f*cking thumb-wrestle, checkers, chess, Halo on Xbox, I don’t give a f*ck. Whatever he wants to do, the answer is yes.”
Anthony Smith says yes to any challenge Alex Pereira can think of 😳
▶️ #TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/pF1NgPKm2I
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 8, 2024
Smith is coming off a win over Vitor Petrino at UFC 301. He submitted him via a guillotine choke in the first round. Pereira, on the other hand, is coming off a knockout victory over Jamahal Hill in the first round of their bout at UFC 300. ‘Poatan’ had recently fallen asleep during Smith’s fight. This only infuriated Smith more. Only time will tell if these two light heavyweights will ever find themselves against each other in a grappling or even a video game match!
Alex Pereira issued a grappling challenge to Anthony Smith
Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith are going at it in the latest chapter of MMA’s most unexpected rivalry. The light heavyweight king Alex Pereira recently upped the ante in his ongoing feud with Anthony Smith. The Brazilian knockout artist challenged ‘Lionheart’ to a high-stakes grappling showdown with $50,000 on the line.
Alex Pereira challenges Anthony Smith (via Marca.com/ MMA Fighting)The callout came in the form of a video statement from Alex Pereira. With his trademark confidence, the champ laid out a scenario allowing Smith to start in an extremely dominant position. He stated that this callout was due to the fact that Smith was always critical of his grappling game.
I make a bet with Anthony Smith. I let him take my back, put the hooks in, and give him five minutes to finish me. We can bet. Like he said, I’d win a $50,000 bonus. He said it was a sure thing. So, if he sees me saying this here, I want him to accept.
ALex Pereira via Connect Cast IG
The rules are simple. If Smith can secure submission from the back mount within the time limit, he walks away $50K richer. However, Smith will fork over the hefty sum if the light heavyweight king can escape and stand up. Pereira was clearly confident in his ever-improving grappling. He recently received his black belt in Jiu Jitsu. As such, he believed that he could overcome Smith’s grappling expertise.
