American mixed martial arts fighter
Anthony Smith (born July 26, 1988) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship‘s (UFC) Light Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2008, he has also formerly competed for Strikeforce and Bellator. As of June 3, 2019, he is #3 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.[3]
Contents
Background[edit]
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Smith grew up in Nebraska City.[4] He was raised by his single mother and grandfather, as his dad was absent.[5] He has stated that he is biracial.[6] Smith dropped out of high school in the middle of his senior year.[4] He started working full-time as a concrete finisher, which he continued until 2016.[7]
Mixed martial arts career[edit]
Early career[edit]
Smith started his career in 2008 and fought mainly for local promotions in the midwestern United States. He compiled a professional record of 13-7, with wins against WEC veterans Logan Clark, Eric Schambari and losses to UFC veterans Jake Hecht and Jesse Forbes, before signing with Strikeforce.
Strikeforce[edit]
Smith made his Strikeforce debut on July 22, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Bowling vs. Voelker III against Ben Lagman, replacing an injured Louis Taylor.[8][9] He won via KO in the second round.
Smith faced Adlan Amagov on November 18, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Britt vs. Sayers.[10] He lost via KO in the first round.
Smith faced Lumumba Sayers on August 18, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman.[11] He won via submission in the first round.
Smith faced Roger Gracie on January 12, 2013, at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine.[12] He lost via submission in the second round.
After the end of Strikeforce, Smith moved to UFC.[13]
Ultimate Fighting Championship[edit]
In his debut, Smith faced Antônio Braga Neto on June 8, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 10. He lost the fight via kneebar submission in the first round.[14] He was subsequently released from the UFC.[15]
Bellator MMA[edit]
On April 18, 2014, Smith made his Bellator MMA debut facing Victor Moreno at Bellator 117 winning via triangle choke submission in the second round.
Smith faced Brian Green on October 17, 2014, at Bellator 129.[16] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Return to Ultimate Fighting Championship[edit]
On February 16, 2016 Smith was re-signed to the UFC. He faced promotional newcomer Leonardo Augusto Leleco on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 83, replacing an injured Trevor Smith.[17] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[18]
Smith was briefly scheduled to face Scott Askham on July 8, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale.[19] However, Askham pulled out of the bout on April 28 and was replaced by Cezar Ferreira.[20] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[21]
Smith next faced Elvis Mutapcic on December 3, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale.[22] He won the fight via TKO in the second round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[23][24]
Smith faced Andrew Sanchez on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[25] He won the fight via knockout due to a combination of knee and punches in the third round.[26]
Smith faced Hector Lombard on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116.[27] He won the fight via technical knockout in the third round.[28]
Smith faced Thiago Santos on February 3, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 125.[29] He lost the fight via technical knockout.[30] Both participants received a Fight of the Night bonus.[31]
Move to Light Heavyweight Division[edit]
Smith faced former champion Rashad Evans in his light heavyweight debut on June 9, 2018, at UFC 225.[32] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[33]
On short notice, Smith replaced Volkan Oezdemir, and faced yet another former champion in Maurício Rua on July 22, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 134 main event.[34] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[35] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[36]
In his third fight in five months, Smith faced Volkan Oezdemir on October 27, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 138.[37] He won the fight by submission in the third round.[38] This win earned him the second consecutive Performance of the Night award.[39]
In the highest profile fight of his career, Smith faced Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235.[40] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[41]
Smith faced Alexander Gustafsson on June 1, 2019 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 153.[42] He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.[43] The win also earned Smith a Performance of the Night bonus award.[44]
Championships and accomplishments[edit]
Personal life[edit]
Smith is engaged to be married in 2019. He has three daughters, born in 2011, 2014 and 2017.[47]
Mixed martial arts record[edit]
[48]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
^ a b “Anthony Smith ESPN Profile”. ESPN.com..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:”””””””‘””‘”}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url(“//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png”)no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url(“//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png”)no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url(“//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png”)no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url(“//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png”)no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
^ anthonysmithufc (December 8, 2018). “”It’s not what you’re going to take from martial arts, it’s what you have to give (…)””. Instagram. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
^ “Rankings | UFC”. www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2019-06-05.
^ a b “Anthony Smith: Back to fighting for the fun of it at VFC 41”. victoryfighter.com.
^ John Morgan (December 2, 2012). “Anthony Smith: From near death to nearly in UFC and his chance to prove me wrong”. mmajunkie.com.
^ Smith, Anthony (Oct 12, 2017). “Confession: As a mixed male (1/2 black, 1/2 wht) in America I wasnt aware being called “boy” was racist? Seriously? Lol this world is weird”. Twitter.
^ Matt Serra (17 August 2018). “UFC Unfiltered UF223” (Podcast). UFC Unfiltered. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
^ With Louis Taylor out, Anthony Smith faces Ben Lagman at Strikeforce Challengers 17[permanent dead link] by John Morgan (MMAJunkie.com) on July 13, 2011
^ Strikeforce payouts and salaries for ‘Voelker vs Bowling 3’ event fighters on July 23 by Jesse Holland (MMAMania.com) on July 25, 2011
^ Strikeforce Challengers 20 results recap for ‘Britt vs Sayers’ event on Nov. 18 by Adam Guillen Jr. (MMAMania.com) on November 19, 2011
^ Strikeforce: Rousey Vs Kaufman Results – Fan Reaction by David King (sports.yahoo.com) on August 19, 2012
^ Roger Gracie vs Anthony Smith joins Jan. 12 Strikeforce: Champions’ card Archived December 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine MMAJunkie.com (November 29, 2012)
^ John Morgan (March 18, 2013). “Waiting for UFC call, Anthony Smith eyes fights with Brunson, Lombard or Herman”. mmajunkie.com.
^ Matt Erickson (June 8, 2013). “UFC on FUEL TV 10 results: Antonio Braga Neto taps Anthony Smith with kneebar”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
^ Mike Bohn (2013-06-23). “Report: Karlos Vemola and Nah-Shon Burrell among six fighters released from the UFC”. mmamania.com. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
^ “Bellator 129 Headlined by Neer vs. Bradley”. Archived from the original on 2018-10-17. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
^ Staff (2016-02-16). “Anthony Smith returns to UFC, replaces Trevor Smith at Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 83”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
^ Steven Marrocco (2016-02-21). “UFC Fight Night 83 results: Anthony Smith edges Leonardo Augusto Leleco”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
^ Staff (2016-04-06). “3 fights added to TUF 23 Finale in Las Vegas”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
^ Staff (2016-04-28). “Cezar Ferreira in for Scott Askham at TUF 23 Finale in Las Vegas vs. Anthony Smith”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
^ Ben Fowlkes (2016-07-08). “TUF 23 Finale results: Cezar Ferreira uses takedown-heavy game plan to top Anthony Smith”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
^ Damon Martin (2016-09-20). “Elvis Mutapcic vs. Anthony Smith in the works for TUF 24 Finale”. foxsports.com. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
^ Steven Marrocco (2016-12-03). “TUF 24 Finale results: Anthony Smith crushes Elvis Mutapcic with vicious second-round elbow”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
^ Tristen Critchfield (2016-12-03). “‘TUF 24’ Finale bonuses: Cannonier, Cutelaba, McMann, Smith receive $50K checks”. sherdog.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
^ Staff (2017-02-11). “UFC heads to Kansas City for first time for UFC on FOX 24”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
^ Steven Marrocco (2017-04-15). “UFC on FOX 24 results: Anthony Smith turns tables on Andrew Sanchez late, wins by KO”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-04-15.
^ Ariel Helwani (2017-07-19). “Alves vs. Perry, Lombard vs. Smith slated for UFN: Pittsburgh”. mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2017-07-19.
^ “UFC Fight Night 116 Results: Anthony Smith KO’s Hector Lombard (VIDEO) | BJPenn.com”. | BJPenn.com. 2017-09-16. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
^ Marcelo Barone (2017-11-24). “Marreta seeks fourth straight win against Anthony Smith at UFC Belem” (in Portuguese). sportv.globo.com. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
^ “UFC Fight Night 125 results: Thiago ‘Marreta’ Santos liver kick shuts down gritty Anthony Smith in thriller”. MMAjunkie. 2018-02-04. Retrieved 2018-02-04.
^ “UFC Fight Night 125 bonuses: Valentina Shevchenko’s domination among night’s winners”. MMAjunkie. 2018-02-04. Retrieved 2018-02-04.
^ Brett Okamoto (2018-03-12). “Rashad Evans fighting Anthony Smith at UFC 225”. espn.com. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
^ “UFC 225 results: Anthony Smith knee lays out Rashad Evans cold in 53 seconds”. MMAjunkie. 2018-06-09. Retrieved 2018-06-10.
^ “Anthony Smith steps in for Volkan Oezdemir against ‘Shogun’ Rua at UFC Hamburg”. MMAjunkie. 2018-07-03. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
^ Matt Erickson (2018-07-22). “UFC Fight Night 134 results: Anthony Smith destroys ‘Shogun’ Rua with brutal barrage”. MMAjunkie. Retrieved 2018-07-22.
^ a b “UFC Fight Night 134 bonuses: Anthony Smith messes up ‘Shogun’ for $50,000”. MMAjunkie. 2018-07-22. Retrieved 2018-07-22.
^ Steve Marrocco (2018-08-02). “Volkan Oezdemir vs. Anthony Smith to headline UFC Fight Night 138 in Moncton”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
^ “UFC Moncton Results: Anthony Smith submits Volkan Oezdemir (Highlights) | BJPenn.com”. | BJPenn.com. 2018-10-28. Retrieved 2018-10-28.
^ a b Staff (2018-10-28). “UFC Moncton bonuses: Anthony Smith picks up another $50k”. mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-10-28.
^ Tristen Critchfield (2019-01-06). “Jon Jones to defend light heavyweight crown vs. Anthony Smith in UFC 235 headliner”. sherdog.com. Retrieved 2019-01-07.
^ “UFC 235 results: Jon Jones docked two points but cruises to decision win over Anthony Smith”. MMA Junkie. 2019-03-03. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
^ Jose Youngs (2019-03-09). “Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Smith slated to headline UFC Stockholm”. mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
^ “Twitter reacts to Anthony Smith’s win, Alexander Gustafsson’s retirement at UFC on ESPN+ 11”. MMA Junkie. 2019-06-01. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
^ Lee, Alexander K. (2019-06-01). “UFC Stockholm bonuses: Anthony Smith, head-kicking Aleksandar Rakic among winners”. MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
^ “UFC Stockholm bonuses: Anthony Smith’s main event submission leads $50K winners”. MMAmania. 2019-06-01. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
^ “UFC Fight Night 125 results: Lyoto Machida digs deep for split vs. Eryk Anders, asks for Michael Bisping”. MMAjunkie. 2018-02-04. Retrieved 2018-02-04.
^ http://combatpress.com/2015/02/cffc-title-challenger-anthony-smith-making-his-kids-proud/
^ Sherdog.com. “Anthony”. Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-10-28.
External links[edit]
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Smith_(mixed_martial_artist)