Anthony Smith, deeply familiar with the brutal nature of MMA, experienced its unforgiving reality in his final career bout. A severe cut sustained early on led to his eventual stoppage loss against Zhang Mingyang in the UFC Kansas City co-main event.
It was widely known heading into Saturday night that Smith intended to retire regardless of the result. While he did find some early success with elbow strikes of his own, the deep cut inflicted by Zhang on the top of Smith`s head drastically altered the fight`s direction.
With blood severely impairing his vision, Smith was struggling. A failed attempt to secure a takedown left him vulnerable, and Zhang capitalized by unleashing a barrage of elbows. This forced referee Jason Herzog to intervene and stop the contest at 4:03 of the opening round.
Following the fight, a visibly emotional and teary-eyed Smith addressed the live crowd, giving credit to Zhang for his performance.
I felt OK, but once I got clipped with that elbow and it was bleeding into my eyes… He does a great job in the clinch. Listen guys, five years ago, that`s a beatable guy. Here I am, I`m aging, it is what it is. Father time wins tonight. He does an incredible job. He`s got a high ceiling. He`s going to be fantastic and I look forward to seeing his career grow.
While it wasn`t the outcome he desired, Smith accepted his readiness to end his career and soaked in the moment as the enthusiastic crowd paid tribute. The UFC also aired a tribute video highlighting key moments from his extensive 50-fight career that spanned over 17 years.
When I started this game, I was homeless, I had nothing going for me. Now this platform has allowed me to raise my family, my four beautiful daughters, and give them a life I`d never been able to have. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.
I don`t even know what to say. Watching that video, I did that shit! I did that. I`m going to take some advice from Chael [Sonnen] and just be grateful it happened. I appreciate you guys. We can be sad next week, but tonight I`m going to have some gratitude.
Though the spotlight was rightfully on Smith`s retirement, Zhang also celebrated a significant achievement – the biggest win of his young career. He improved his UFC record to 3-0, with all three victories coming via first-round finish.
This impressive win positions Zhang well for even bigger challenges ahead, marking another important step forward in the light heavyweight division.
Boo me again, let me hear that! I know you don`t know who I am, but if you don`t know, now you know!
Marcus Blakely