What’s Next For Anthony Smith?

Published 09/19/2021, 2:21 PM EDT

Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith is one of the finest light heavyweight fighters in the UFC. Anthony is a seasoned UFC fighter who has competed on several big mixed martial arts platforms, such as Bellator and Strikeforce prior to the UFC. According to the UFC rankings, as of September 2021, he is currently number six in the light heavyweight division.

In a career lasting more than a decade, ‘Lionheart’ has amassed several significant victories. Smith, who is only 33 years old, is far from finished and aspires to one day win the UFC’s light-heavyweight belt. ‘Lionheart’ has the tools to become the champion: he is a strong puncher with outstanding counter-striking abilities, as well as grit and determination.

Anthony Smith picks up an impressive victory at Vegas 37

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This weekend at UFC Vegas 37, ‘Lionheart’ fought Dana White Contender Series alumni Ryan Spann and earned up a commendable win for his record. Smith won the ‘performance of the night’ award for his display against Spann. He won the bout through submission (rear-naked choke).

Anthony dropped Spann twice with punches and then finished him by grappling him to the ground and making him tap out. It’s the fifth time that Anthony picked up a first-round victory since 2018.

Smith wants a fight with Aleksandar Rakic

After his impressive victory against Spann Anthony Smith made a statement that has excited all of us UFC fans, Smith called out Aleksandar Rakic. He stated he wanted to fight someone who’s above his rank.

“I want Aleksander Rakic. He’s just sitting around. He’s not next for the title. Either I get that fight or I skip him. That’s what I want. I want someone ahead of me and I earned that.” – Anthony Smith on Aleksandar Rakic.

The last time they fought, Aleksandar Rakic won by a unanimous decision in August 2020.

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Alexander took to Twitter seconds after the fight concluded to announce that he will be free in December. To that Anthony Smith answered, “Merry Christmas to me.”

“Merry Christmas to me” – Anthony Smith
— Morning Kombat (@morningkombat) September 19, 2021

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Based on the exchange of tweets, it’s reasonable to believe that this fight will take place, and if it does, the audience will be in for a treat. Hopefully, UFC president Dana White will allow this match to go through. It all boils down to him.

“I’m So F*cking Sick of Being Sh*t Done”- Anthony Smith Makes a Statement After UFC Fight Night Victory

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Written by:

Pranit Punjabi is a UFC author at EssentiallySports. A third-year psychology major, this Khabib Nurmagomedov fan merged his interest in psychology with his deep passion for MMA and was intrigued by this new angle to help him get closer to the action. Pranit aims to look through the violence and chaos, into what makes MMA truly beautiful, the deep and rich psychological aspect to the game.

What’s Next For Anthony Smith?

Anthony Smith picks up an impressive victory at Vegas 37

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Smith wants a fight with Aleksandar Rakic