Anthony Smith utilizing as outlet to grieve buddy’s demise

LAS VEGAS – Anthony Smith is combating for a distinct and really private cause when he steps into the octagon with Dominick Reyes at UFC 310.

In a matchup of former gentle heavyweight title challengers, Smith (37-20 MMA, 13-10 UFC) is about to tackle Reyes (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) on Saturday’s card at T-Cell Area (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, Hulu, ESPN+) in what is a crucial combat within the total panorama within the careers of each individuals.

All of that’s moot to Smith, nonetheless, as a result of simply three weeks in the past, he went via a private tragedy. His longtime buddy and coach Scott Morton all of a sudden died, and “Lionheart” is reeling from the fallout.

“I must destroy one thing,” Smith informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day. “That’s why I’m right here. It could be myself. Possibly I run right into a f*cking buzzsaw and go away not the identical method I got here right here, and I’m good with that, too. I went to combat Alexander Gustafsson proper after I fought Jon Jones, and I didn’t go there to win, both. I wished to punch somebody within the face as a result of I felt so sh*tty about dropping the title combat.

“Saturday, I wish to f*cking break one thing, and that is my outlet. I can’t do what I actually wish to do inside, wherever else, with no penalties. That’s why I’m right here. I don’t give a f*ck about profitable. In any respect. Not even a bit of bit. I haven’t even f*cking thought of it. I wish to f*cking break one thing, and right here’s the place I get to do this.”

Smith has been via many attempting moments in his private and aggressive life. Regardless of one other one being thrown his method, he pushed ahead and confirmed as much as UFC 310 combat week.

He hinted that he didn’t do this so he may honor Morton’s reminiscence, although. That’s not sufficient in his thoughts to do justice for the connection they’d.

“In no way (combating in his reminiscence),” Smith mentioned. “The smallest factor that Scott was to me is a coach. He was like my mentor and my huge brother and I’ve by no means lived as an grownup with out Scott guiding me via life. So this combating sh*t is de facto pretend on the finish of the day. This an enormous f*cking dog-and-pony present. I don’t give a sh*t about any of that. However getting a win and having the chance to inform the world about him afterwards, stand there with Joe Rogan, means lots. That might be cool for me. However when it comes to the rest, it doesn’t matter.”

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