Anthony Smith, a seasoned veteran of mixed martial arts, has navigated a tumultuous path throughout his career. Known for his iron will and tenacity, Smith has recently found himself at a crossroads as he prepares for what he claims will be his final fight. Competing under the UFC banner, Smith has emerged as a significant player in the light heavyweight division but feels the tug of retirement looming. The unfortunate reality of his recent emotional TKO loss against Dominick Reyes at UFC 310 has left a mark on him, especially compounded by the loss of his friend and coach, Scott Morton.
What makes Smith’s narrative particularly intriguing, however, is his unconventional desire to dabble in the world of Power Slap, a controversial sport promoted by UFC President Dana White. In an era where safety in sports is increasingly scrutinized, Smith’s open interest in slap fighting has raised eyebrows. Despite the backlash against power slap competitions regarding athlete safety and sportsmanship, he unabashedly finds enjoyment in watching these events unfold.
During his appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Smith disclosed that he had approached UFC management with the hope of competing in a Power Slap event. Surprisingly, he was met with a flat refusal from Hunter Campbell, a pivotal figure within the organization. Smith stated, “I tried. They told me no. Straight up, I asked Hunter, and he told me no. He wouldn’t even bring it to Dana.” This denial raises several questions regarding the UFC’s stance on combat sports and its willingness to allow fighters to explore outside opportunities.
While Smith’s admiration for slap fighting may not align with the traditional values associated with MMA, it serves to highlight a more complex relationship athletes have with evolving forms of combat sports. Slap fighting invites an entirely different kind of competitive spirit—a head-to-head showdown that lacks the intricate grappling and striking techniques that define mixed martial arts. Smith’s longing for participation in this nascent sport perhaps indicates his desire for a simpler, albeit riskier, form of competition as he nears the end of his career.
Looking ahead, Smith has confirmed that he will step into the octagon one last time in April, marking his 60th professional bout. The anticipation surrounding this event is palpable, but the identity of his opponent remains a mystery. Describing his motivations for this final outing, Smith asserted, “It’s one more. Win, lose, or draw, that’s it.” This encapsulation of his mindset underlines the bittersweet nature of his impending retirement.
Anthony Smith stands at a unique intersection of traditional MMA culture and newer forms of combat sports. His willingness to explore the world of Power Slap, alongside the emotional weight of his career’s culmination, paints a multifaceted portrait of a fighter on the brink of change. Regardless of the outcome in his final fight, Smith’s journey reflects an evolving landscape in combat sports, where athletes could be drawn to explore unconventional avenues in their quest for competition.