Anthony Smith found the satisfaction he sought.
His walk to the octagon at UFC Kansas City two weeks prior, facing Zhang Mingyang in the co-main event, marked his last appearance. The bout ended in a first-round TKO loss for Smith, concluding a career spanning 60 fights, which included a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title. Despite not winning a UFC championship or achieving all his initial objectives, “Lionheart” ultimately found what he desired most at UFC Kansas City: recognition.
Speaking on MMA Today with Din Thomas, Smith explained his long pursuit: “I spent years chasing the title, believing it was the only thing that mattered. But I always said why I wanted it so badly – I craved that moment, even just for a day, when the whole world would acknowledge me as the best. That was the true motivation. It wasn`t about the money, the physical belt, or the gold. I just wanted everyone to have no choice but to recognize my place.”
He reflected on the weeks since the fight, concluding: “I`ve realized recently it was never truly about the title itself. What I wanted was acknowledgement for my journey and my effort. My effort needed recognition. I know I won`t ever win a title or enter the Hall of Fame, but that Saturday night, I believe I received what I had been searching for all along. Just recognition. That`s what it was.”
He reiterated, “I`m not sure it was ever really about the title. I think I saw the title as the path or the goal, but I left Kansas City feeling content. I went into the fight telling myself, ‘I just need to be happy with this, because this is it, this is all I`m going to get.’ But I actually walked out having gained everything I truly desired.”
Smith`s retirement was a planned decision. After the fight, the UFC paid tribute to his career with a video package featuring former opponents and highlights of his notable bouts.
Reflecting on the evening, Smith stated that the combination of the UFC`s tribute, the fervent reaction from the Kansas City audience, and the acknowledgement from fellow fighters in attendance brought him a sense of peace about his career.
He elaborated on the moment: “Making that walk felt unique; it was different. The atmosphere in the arena was insane. Everyone, from the floor to the highest seats, was on their feet. And the crowd`s reaction was immense.” He added a detail that particularly resonated: “As I was preparing to walk out, going through the check-in process, I went up the stairs, turned around, and saw Dana`s fighter section. Everyone there was standing and clapping. That`s where I got acknowledgement from my fellow fighters, my peers. Even if they weren`t fans of mine, they at least seemed to appreciate the journey.”
Smith concluded: “Receiving that acknowledgement from my peers, combined with the UFC and ESPN`s video package featuring people I deeply respect like Jelly Roll, Din Thomas, Rashad Evans, Glover Teixeira, Laura Sanko, and Jon Anik… I think that was the recognition I`d been seeking all along. It was remarkable. Aside from the fight outcome, it couldn`t have been better.”
Smith concludes his fighting career with an overall record of 38 wins and 22 losses, including a 13-12 record within the UFC.
