As Anthony Smith gets ready for his upcoming fight at UFC Kansas City, which he considers his last, he`s already planning for his post-fighting career. He`s currently working as a UFC analyst and also hosts his own podcast.
However, Smith admits that not long ago, he was worried about what he would do after his MMA career ended. He knew he couldn`t fight forever, and the uncertainty of the future was a major concern.
“It used to bother me a lot,” Smith told MMA Fighting. “Because I had no idea what I was going to do afterwards. It wasn`t just about making money, but about finding fulfillment and making a meaningful impact. I believe I ended up in this career because I`ve always been different. Even as a kid, I knew a typical 9-to-5 job wasn`t for me. And I want to be clear, I respect people who work those jobs. I did similar work in construction myself while training and fighting, even finishing concrete while competing in the UFC.”
“I respect that kind of work, but I knew it wasn`t my long-term path. It was temporary until I found my true calling. But then I started wondering, what will I do when fighting is over? That thought led me to where I am now, but then I questioned what comes next. It really used to worry me and keep me awake at night.”
A few years ago, Smith started appearing on a Sirius XM show hosted by Dan Hardy, which opened his eyes to a new career direction. Talking about MMA on the show revealed his talent as an analyst, something he had never considered before. The UFC noticed his appearances.
This led to an offer to work on television for UFC pre and post-fight shows during their partnership with FOX. Smith was initially nervous, but Michael Bisping, a future UFC Hall of Famer, guided him through it.
“Michael Bisping really helped me out in that role,” Smith said. “He essentially gave me a quick lesson on broadcasting when we were at FOX. He made me feel comfortable and supported me a lot during my first show. He really covered for me in many situations and was a huge help.”
Smith later joined Bisping on the Believe You Me podcast as a co-host. However, their partnership recently ended, leading to rumors of a potential falling out.
Smith clarified that it was always his plan to eventually branch out on his own, start his own podcast, and move on from co-hosting with Bisping. Despite speculation of a conflict, Smith emphasizes his deep respect and gratitude for Bisping, believing the feeling is mutual.
“We’re on good terms,” Smith confirmed about his relationship with Bisping. “If Bisping disliked me, everyone would know it – he’s never been one to hold back. There are some behind-the-scenes things that we haven’t discussed publicly, but they have nothing to do with any disagreement. Bisping and I are good.”
“Our conversations from the beginning included my eventual plan to create my own show. It wasn’t a shock to anyone that I was starting my own podcast. It wasn’t a surprise behind the scenes. He’s incredible, a great guy, and he helped me a lot.”
Looking ahead, Smith remains a top analyst for the UFC. As his fighting career nears its end, he’s excited for new opportunities.
Becoming a UFC commentator is high on his list. Smith has always wanted to be a color commentator, but he knows those positions are limited.
Furthermore, Smith admits he wouldn`t want to gain a commentary job at the expense of someone else losing theirs. This is why he doesn`t actively campaign for the role, even though the UFC knows he`s interested.
“I would definitely take the opportunity to call fights,” Smith stated. “I think my skills are better suited for that role. But I also realize that advocating for myself could be seen as wanting to take an opportunity away from a friend. So, I’m willing to wait and see if an opportunity arises naturally. The UFC is aware of my interest, and it’s something I would genuinely enjoy. I admire Michael Chiesa and Alan Jouban, but I feel uneasy when they publicly express their desire to commentate, because it sounds like they want to replace one of their colleagues. I know they don’t mean it that way, they just want to call fights, and I do too. It would be fantastic and fun.”
“But publicly campaigning for it, I don’t want Daniel Cormier to feel awkward around me. I don’t want Paul Felder or Bisping to feel uncomfortable thinking I’m plotting to take their job.”
The UFC`s new broadcast rights deal in 2026 is expected to bring more content and opportunities. The UFC already hosts over 40 events annually, and this number could increase depending on the new deal.
This is a major reason Smith is willing to be patient. He believes the UFC will eventually offer him a color commentary position without it costing someone else their job.
“Opportunities do come up,” Smith said. “Over the past decade, there have been changes with commentators like Brian Stann and Dan Hardy. As the sport grows, I believe more roles will become available. I expect the trend of more fights, not fewer, to continue. Eventually, they’ll need another commentator. As new rights deals and ESPN negotiations progress, I anticipate more fights and opportunities, requiring more personnel.”
“At some point, Bisping, Felder, Laura Sanko, D.C., and Dominick Cruz will need breaks or assistance. If they need me, I’ll be ready.”
