Anthony Smith has had a rocky road over the course of his tenured mixed martial arts career. Despite several setbacks in arguably the most important fights of his UFC career, Smith has always bounced back stronger. As you would expect from the Lionheart.
Ahead of a possible title eliminator fight against Magomed Ankalaev, Anthony Smith has his eyes set on proving fans, who he believes have overlooked him despite his stellar record, and rightfully so.
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After losing to Glover Teixeira, who by the way would later go on to become the UFC’s light-heavyweight champion, and Aleksandr Rakic, who stands at the cusp of a title fight; Smith has bounced back stronger with three straight first-round victories to his name. Smith currently sits comfortably at the 5th spot in the UFC’s lightweight rankings.
“The title is the only thing that’s left. That’s it. I will never be happier, I will never be able to sleep well at night until I win a title. I have been saying that for years. It’s world title or die trying. And I mean that.”
Having fought in over 50 professional fights at just 34 years of age, Smith has achieved a lot in his mixed martial arts career. However, one thing that still makes him turn corners on the bed is a title belt.
Anthony Smith wants to make a statement with a stoppage win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 277
Anthony Smith has lost just five fights in his UFC career and all of those losses have come against the absolute best that the division has to offer. While the odds may be against him once again, it only fires up Anthony Smith heading into UFC 277.
“Now that everyone is putting so much stock on Ankalaev, he is -600 favorite, and I am +400 underdog. There is no more excuses on Sunday morning. I go out there and I finish him. You guys can’t say anything, and that’s the media, that’s the fans. Nobody can say anything if I go in there and finish Ankalaev. I won’t even hear it anymore, that’s enough for me.” Smith said in a conversation with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
There’s no denying Anthony Smith’s mixed martial arts prowess, however, it will be easier said than done against someone like Magomed Ankalaev. Currently ranked #4 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, Ankalaev has carved a path of his own in his short UFC career.
“I got a lot of respect for that guy, I am not just coming in to squeak out a win. I am coming to take his head, I need a finish.” Smith added.
He remains undefeated in his last eight outings inside the UFC Octagon and continues to impress fight fans around the world with his impeccable striking, and his underrated ground game. Ankalaev is coming off an exciting five-round fight against Thiago Santos. It’s an exciting match-up and one that is bound to get the attention of fight fans.
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