In a recent episode of the ‘Believe You Me‘ podcast, Anthony Smith opened up about the emotional toll following his knockout loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Vegas 83. This defeat, marking Smith’s third loss in his last four fights, left the 35-year-old fighter in a reflective and contemplative state.
Smith candidly shared, “For anybody that’s listening, if you’ve texted me or reached out and I haven’t responded, it’s not you, it’s me. I’m just in a weird place, and sometimes you just have to unplug and I really threw myself into just being with my family. Sometimes you have to sit back and you’ve got to reevaluate and just kind of see where you are, what do you want, where do you want to go, what do you want to do, because it was a pretty dark place there for a while.”
Originally, Rountree was slated to face Azamat Murzakanov on December 2nd, but due to Murzakanov’s withdrawal, Smith stepped up to the challenge just a week later. Despite the short notice and the need to cut weight in a tight timeframe, Smith showcased his dedication to the sport.
Anthony Smith Reflects on Recent UFC Loss
Reflecting on the fight’s preparation, Smith acknowledged the challenges he faced in adapting to a changed game plan on short notice. He admitted, “I was getting tattooed with it in practice. We had to change it, and it was working, and then I went into the fight, and (Rountree) was just way faster than I had anticipated.”
Addressing concerns about his readiness and speed during the bout, Smith humbly admitted that he wasn’t in optimal fight shape and that he struggled with the unexpected speed of his opponent. Taking responsibility for his performance, he emphasized, “That’s no excuse, that’s my fault. I put myself in that position, and I knew that was a possibility.”
Looking ahead, Smith contemplated his future in the sport, stating, “I don’t want to be the guy that has people telling you that you need to leave.” He expressed a desire to exit the sport on his own terms, avoiding external pressure. The Nebraskan fighter delved into introspection, questioning his motivations and whether he continued fighting out of familiarity or genuine passion.
Advice From Glover
In a positive turn, Smith concluded that he still enjoys fighting and wants to continue. However, he acknowledged the need for some changes in his approach and style. A conversation with Glover Teixeira offered valuable insights, leading Smith to consider adapting his game as he ages.
As for future opponents, Smith made it clear that he’s not ready to hang up the gloves just yet. He expressed a willingness to embrace challenges one at a time, stepping away from a singular focus on the title. This shift in perspective could be the key to unlocking a new chapter in Anthony Smith’s storied career. And, as he affirmed, “Maybe when I stop being so concerned about the title, maybe I can fully focus on what’s in front of me.”
What do you think is next for Anthony Smith? How many more does he have in the tank? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
