Anthony Smith was a big betting underdog in the light heavyweight fight against the undefeated Vitor Petrino. However, he made easy work of Petrino via first-round guillotine choke submission at UFC 301. Smith had earlier stated he wanted to showcase his BJJ skills in Brazil, which he spectacularly did.
With the loss, Petrino lost his undefeated record. Smith was proud to win in Brazil, as he had dreamt of it. Moreover, his first guillotine choke submission was the cherry on top for Smith. After the win, Smith spoke highly of the impact of BJJ on his life at the post-fight press conference.
Jiu-Jitsu is such an important part of my life, and it’s Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in general that have afforded me a life that I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t be here today. I didn’t graduate high school; I had nothing going for me. I was working in factories and construction jobs, trying to make this dream work.
Anthony Smith via UFC 301 post-fight press conference
Smith stated he was more proud of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt than any other achievement he has in combat sports. As such, winning in Brazil via submission against a Brazilian is a big thing for Americans. Even though people consider him a striker, Smith stated he considers himself a grappler first and foremost.
Funnily enough, after he won the fight, Bruce Buffer wrongly announced Petrino as the victor, eliciting hilarious interactions inside the octagon. With a budding rivalry against Alex Pereira, Smith is two or three victories away from a second title shot. However, the chances are slim.
Anthony Smith accepts the challenge from Alex Pereira after UFC 301
Anthony Smith and Alex Pereira have had somewhat of a beef. It all started when Smith questioned Pereira’s well-rounded ability in MMA. He stated Pereira would find it more difficult to be a light heavyweight than a middleweight. Furthermore, Smith recently questioned the credibility of Pereira’s recent BJJ Black belt accomplishment.
Alex Pereira (via Imago)Pereira recently challenged Smith in a BJJ matchup with odds stacked in favor of the American. In the post-fight press conference of UFC 301, Smith knew about it. Fresh off the victory against Vitor Petrino, Smith accepted the challenge.
I could start on his [Alex Pereira] back, hooks in, and I’ve got five minutes to finish him. And he wants to put 50k up for it? I’ll take his 50k. Yeah, I’ll take his money. Yeah, if I start on his back, I’ll choke the sh*t out of him, 100%.
Anthony Smith via UFC 301 press conference
Pereira recently defended the light heavyweight title against Jamahal Hill, a close friend of Smith. Even though Magomed Ankalev was the rumored next opponent, the Brazilian recently confirmed a rematch with Jiri Prochazka as the likely next title defense. Only time will tell if the Smith vs. Pereira grappling bout happens or not
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