Anthony Smith hopes to work his approach again to a different title shot beginning at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil subsequent weekend (Sat., Might 4, 2024).
It’s been 5 years since Smith shocked the combined martial arts (MMA) world along with his late-career resurgence by way of the Gentle Heavyweight ranks to problem the then-champion, Jon Jones. Sadly for Smith, he misplaced the bout by way of a unanimous resolution and has tried to make his case for one more crack at gold ever since.
Smith, 35, has had some verbal exchanges with the present champion, Alex Pereira, up to now. Ought to a match up ever make sense, “Lionheart” is assured “Poatan” could be down for it.
“He’s enjoyable,” Smith informed Submission Radio. “Him and I’ve had our phrases forwards and backwards. I don’t suppose there’s any actual beef there, however there’s undoubtedly one thing there with him and I the place given the chance we each would bounce on it. If I can put myself ready the place, ‘Oh, holy s—t. Right here we’re on a little bit of a streak,’ and issues are going properly, timing works out, I believe each of us would bounce on that chance.
“I don’t know why that’s,” he continued. “I don’t know if it’s ‘actual acknowledges actual’ slightly bit. I’m one of many few guys most likely that might actually — I don’t know — I might step within the hearth with him and he is aware of that. Is [Magomed] Ankalaev gonna stand within the pocket and commerce with Alex Pereira and actually play that sport? In all probability not (laughs).”
Earlier than any title hopes can turn out to be a actuality, Smith first has to get again within the win column by taking out Vitor Petrino at UFC 301. In the meantime, Pereira lately defended his title by way of a primary spherical knockout over Jamahal Hill (watch highlights) at UFC 300 two weekends in the past (April 13, 2024).
