UFC 283 was a storehouse of surprises for fans and fighters alike. However, Anthony “Lionheart” Smith may have been more surprised than most that evening. The former title challenger learned that his scheduled bout against Jamahal Hill was no longer happening while live on the air doing the ESPN post-fight show. Instead, the UFC has now announced a fight between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill for the vacant title on the UFC Brazil PPV. However, Smith‘s actions following the events are earning him more respect outside the cage.
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The UFC 282 light heavyweight title fight ended in a split draw, to the dismay of many. UFC president Dana White voiced his discontent with the lackluster main event and announced the vacant title would be on the line next month in Brazil.
Fans react to Anthony Smith stepping up to help Jamahal Hill
Formal title contender Anthony Smith is 3-2 in his last five. Ever since his title clash against Jon Jones, “Lionheart” has been trying to work his way into another title fight. A win against Jamahal Hill may have helped his case for a title shot.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 28: Anthony Smith reacts after submitting Devin Clark in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night at UFC APEX on November 28, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
However, Hill revealed in a recent interview that Smith was willing to oblige his request to help prepare for Teixeira. This sportsmanship, even after taking a setback, earned Snith more applause from the fans.
@lionheartasmith has always been all class. Will always root for the guy. Good martial artist, better dude.
Love Lionheart! Seems like a real solid dude
Anthony Smith is the absolute man!
🚨| Jamahal Hill has revealed that Anthony Smith will be helping him prepare for his fight with Glover Teixeira at #UFC283. [per The MMA Hour] #UFC282 #UFC283 #UFC #MMA
Anthony Smith is the realest dude in the ufc
How can you not be a fan of @lionheartasmith ??? The guy is such a class act!
While commending his gesture, one fan asked him not to lose sight of the title shot.
Nevertheless, Smith did not hide his disappointment when he heard the news.
He also mentioned how the new match-up was a problem for him.
Anthony Smith’s reaction to losing his scheduled March bout
Anthony Smith learned that his March bout was no longer on the table while live on air. The news visibly upset Smith, who said, “Uh, yeah, that’s a problem. Yeah, that’s a big problem for me. Yeah, I don’t know.” The worst part is that now “Lionheart” does not have an opponent for March and he is out of the title picture.
“It kind of leaves me with nobody, that’s the problem. Ankalaev just fought, Rakic is injured, Blachowicz just fought, Jamahal Hill was left, Glover Teixeira was available and now he’s not….”
Despite the unfortunate news, Smith mentioned his interest in the upcoming UFC London card. “I don’t know, the London card is coming up… I feel like someone owes me a favor right now, so… We’ll figure it out.”
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