Anthony Smith received one final, stark reminder of the brutal nature of the fight game.
“Lionheart” entered the co-main event at UFC Kansas City on Saturday, fully aware it marked the conclusion of his 17-year professional career. He undoubtedly envisioned a different outcome than being severely beaten and bloodied by the up-and-coming light heavyweight contender, Zhang Mingyang.
Zhang inflicted significant damage on Smith with an elbow strike in the opening round, following up with ground-and-pound that left Smith bleeding heavily on the canvas. Although referee Jason Herzog allowed Smith considerable time to recover, it became evident that Smith could not continue in the face of Zhang`s sustained assault. Herzog ultimately called a stop to the contest – and Smith`s career – at the 4:03 mark of the round.
As anticipated, fellow fighters within the MMA community offered praise for Smith`s long career and contributions to the sport. However, former UFC champion Rafael dos Anjos was notably critical of the referee`s timing, expressing his belief that the stoppage was too late.
“What a terrible stoppage,” Dos Anjos posted online, adding a call for the referee`s removal: “Get this man fired.”
Acknowledging Smith`s tough career, Dos Anjos also wrote: “Anthony Smith has fought all the killers in his career. Guy is a beast. Happy retirement.”
