Michael Bisping watched live last Saturday night as his Believe You Me podcast co-host Anthony Smith was set to face Khalil Rountree in the co-main event.
With Smith taking the fight on short notice, Bisping hosted a live show with his other Believe You Me hosts on YouTube.
Bisping, deeply invested in his partner’s bout, believed him to be behind on the scorecards against Rountree going into the third round. Rountree, at the time on his fourth win in a row, managed to finish the former title contender in the third round.
With Bisping slightly behind his co-presenters, the initial reaction came from Brian Mackay.
Oh Christ Anthony is done… fight is over boys
Bisping caught the ending a few seconds later and had a distraught look on his face as Smith took the finishing blow.
There it is there it is, oh f*ck its over for sure. Ah sh*t. Sh*t
Despite their friend losing, all three presenters were quick to praise Rountree for his performance. The light heavyweight was entirely in his right to hit Smith with follow up shots. However, with sportsmanlike conduct, Rountree decided to wait for the referee to step in instead.
Yep. I mean God bless him for that because other people would have done. I’ve been on the receiving end of them.
Michael Bisping was also respectful of his friend. Nobody understands the game more than those who are former champions.
Thats the game. You dare to be great.
The short-notice fight against a power puncher was always going to be a risk for Anthony Smith. Michael Bisping, along with his co-hosts, were aware of this and made it clear once the fight had concluded.
I don’t wanna say it but I didn’t like this from the day I found out about it. I didn’t like it one little bit.
Anthony Smith’s Fight Career
Anthony Smith (37-19) has fought in the UFC regularly since 2016. Smith’s career has been turbulent, but still holds significant wins over fighters such as Rashad Evans and Shogun Rua. Very much a regular fighter, Smith’s bout with Rountree was his third fight this year.
One of Smith’s most notable moments was his title bout against Jon Jones at UFC 235. Smith went the distance with the greatest fighter of all time, but most famously declined a DQ win due to a grounded knee. The bout showcased Smith’s resilience and ability to withstand even the toughest of opponents, as well as the sportsmanship to only win the ‘proper’ way.
Smith rebounded his loss to Jones through a fourth-round submission over fellow title contender Alexander Gustaffson. Since then, Smith’s career has been very much a yo-yo. With two wins against Ryan Spann and a win against Jimmy Crute and Devin Clark on his record, Smith also has losses to Glover Teixeira and Johnny Walker. Adamant to not retire before being a champion, Smith is without a doubt in title contention, but not without a win or two first.
Anthony Smith has since gone on to co-host with Michael Bisping on the Believe You Me podcast.
Khalil Rountree’s Fight Career
Khalil Rountree (13-5-(1)) has had a career that has taken off recently more than ever. His five-fight win streak recently has propelled him into title contention, particularly in a historically shallow division. Where Rountree can go from here is a mystery; potential bouts against Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka are particularly exciting.
Anthony Smith is, by large, Rountree’s biggest win. With a slightly on-and-off career when he entered the UFC, it seems as if Rountree is truly entering his prime.
What did you think of Michael Bisping and his reaction?
