Anthony Smith

Fighter Facts

• Pro since 2008
  
   
• 19 wins by KO, 14 by submission (5 triangle, 4 RNC, 2 armbar, arm triangle, 2 undisclosed submissions)
  
   
• 7-1 between UFC appearances – most recent non-UFC bout was first round TKO of Josh Neer on 1/14/16
  
   
• 20 first round finishes
  
   
• Has won 10 of his last 14 and three in a row

UFC History

UFC Fight Night (9/18/21) Smith submitted Ryan Spann via rear naked choke at 3:47 of the first round

UFC 261 (4/24/21) Smith defeated Jimmy Crute via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of the first round

UFC on ESPN (11/28/20) Smith submitted Devin Clark via triangle choke at 2:34 of the first round

UFC Fight Night (8/29/20) Smith lost a three round unanimous decision to Aleksandar Rakic

UFC Fight Night (5/13/20) Smith was stopped by Glover Teixeira via strikes at 1:04 of the fifth round

UFC Fight Night (6/1/19) Smith submitted Alexander Gustafsson via rear naked choke at 2:38 of the fourth round

UFC 235 (3/2/19) Smith lost a five round unanimous decision to Jon Jones in a fight for the UFC light heavyweight title

UFC Fight Night (10/27/18) Smith submitted Volkan Oezdemir via rear naked choke at 4:26 of the third round

UFC Fight Night (7/22/18) Smith knocked out Mauricio Rua at 1:29 of the first round

UFC 225 (6/9/18) Smith knocked out Rashad Evans at :53 of the first round

UFC Fight Night (2/3/18) Smith was stopped by Thiago Santos via strikes at 1:03 of the second round

UFC Fight Night (9/16/17) Smith stopped Hector Lombard via strikes at 2:33 of the third round

UFC on FOX (4/9/17) Smith knocked out Andrew Sanchez at 3:52 of the third round

TUF 24 Finale (12/3/16) Smith stopped Elvis Mutapcic via strikes at 3:27 of round two

TUF 23 Finale (7/8/16) Smith lost a three round unanimous decision to Cezar Ferreira

UFC Fight Night (2/21/16) Smith won a three round unanimous decision over Leonardo Leleco

UFC on FUEL TV (6/8/13) Smith was submitted by Antonio Braga Neto via kneebar at 1:52 of the first round

STRIKEFORCE HISTORY

Marquardt vs. Saffiedine (1/12/13) Smith was submitted by Roger Gracie via arm triangle choke at 3:16 of the second round

Rousey vs. Kaufman (8/18/12) Smith submitted Lumumba Sayers via triangle choke at 3:52 of the first round

Challengers 20 (11/18/11) Smith was knocked out by Adlan Amagov at 2:32 of the first round

Challengers 17 (7/22/11) Smith knocked out Ben Lagman at :33 of round two

Q&A

TRAINING: My days vary from day to day, but typically I have two practices a day and a conditioning practice between them.

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2006. I was just a rowdy teenager that wanted to fight without getting in trouble. I didn’t expect anything to become of it. I hooked up with my management team (Disorderly Conduct Management) and began going to Premier Combat Center (Head Coach UFC vet Ryan Jensen) I excelled at training and learning all the aspects of MMA and loved it. Now, fighting is my profession and I can honestly say it probably saved my life.

What ranks and titles have you held? Victory FC middleweight champion, XKL middleweight champion, Cornhusker Fight Club middleweight champion

Do you have any heroes? Mom

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true. I've been through so many trials and tribulations in life. I had my chance so many times and always came up short. It's finally my chance to show the world what I'm capable of and make my mark. I don't really feel like I'm fighting for the viewers or crowd though in this first fight; I'm fighting to show Dana and the UFC that I belong there and I will be a future star. My goal is to make an impression on them. This is my shot to change my life forever.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No, I have always been a fighter

What was your job before you started fighting? I turned pro at 19; this has been my only Job. I have been paying my dues, grinding, and living off of this sport I LOVE!

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Fought over 30 amateur fights and won every local promotion’s belt in Nebraska

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: Head kicks