What’s next for Anthony Smith after win at UFC Stockholm?
UFC Stockholm was a homecoming fight for Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson, but the hometown crowd left the arena amazed after the event.
The three-time light heavyweight title challenger was forced to submit to Anthony “Lionheart” Smith in the fourth round via rear necked choke. Gustafsson and Smith were coming off losses against the undisputed 205-pound champion, Jon Jones.
It was Smith who quieted the critics by stopping the home crowd favorite. After the fight, the 32-year-old Gustafsson announced his retirement during his post-fight interview, removed his gloves and announced that, “the show is over guys.” Smith broke his left hand in the fight which required surgery and recovery time of six months.
Upon his return, whom should Anthony Smith fight?
Of course, some people will say he should fight Jon Jones again, but we know he isn’t going to get a shot after he was completely dominated. This means Smith may have to win another fight or two against ranked contenders.
Corey “Overtime” Anderson has called out Anthony Smith recently. Anderson who is currently ranked #8 in the light heavyweight division, appears to be entering the prime of his career. Anderson has been competing at 205 pounds since 2014. He won season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter and has amassed a 9-4 record in the UFC; also winning three fights over three current top-10 ranked fighters and is currently on a three-fight win streak in the division. This fight will be compelling as Anderson has world class grappling skills which could nullify Smith’s striking.
Smith recently said, “Corey Anderson’s already on Twitter and Instagram talking s—t. I’ve fought five times since you fought once. What are we doing here? At this point, it’s really easy. Do something to deserve it, b—ch. I’m sick of these guys talking s—t.”
“Lionheart” could choose to fight and up-and-coming opponent. If he was to go this route, Johnny Walker would be the ideal opponent. Walker ranked #12 in the division is coming off a win at UFC 235 when he landed a flying knee onto Misha Cirkunov, before pounding him out with hammer fists to record his latest remarkable knockout. After competing on “Dana White’s Contender Series,” he has gone 3-0 in the UFC, with his three wins clocking a grand total of two minutes and 48 seconds. Walker has yet to be tested in the octagon, Smith would bring the fight to Walker and maybe we could see how Walker would respond to being in a “real” fight.
I think the fight UFC fans would love to see Smith vs Luke Rockhold next. Rockhold will fight Jan Blachowicz at UFC 239 and makes his light heavyweight debut. He’s a game fighter with a 6-3 record in the UFC and a former middleweight champion. He is known for being well-rounded and says he can win a fight anywhere it goes. Rockhold, who is never shy when it comes to trash talk said, “I don’t think much of Anthony Smith. I don’t think he’s very tough, technical, talented. He ain’t got what it takes.” A win over Smith would definitely put Rockhold on the radar for a championship fight.
Rockhold had called Smith “a bum” prior to his fight with Jones. Prompting Smith to say, “I would fight that guy in aisle five of WalMart.“ This fight should happen upon Smith’s return even if Rockhold was to lose to Blachowicz. I think the build up to this fight would have some classic trash talk and the stare downs would be intense.
Anthony has options for his next fight, he could a top 5 contender in Corey Anderson, fight the up and coming plus exciting Johnny Walker or his verbal sparring partner Luke Rockhold. The fans would not be disappointed, regardless of which is booked.
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The Scrap’s Lee Brown is a 22-year Air Force Vet, fan of all sports – especially UFC, NFL & NBA, and cohost of Lee N Keys Real Talk Podcast. You can follow Lee on Twitter (@Levanstian757) and Instagram (@Va121Lee).
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