Former UFC light heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith apologized to fans after being knocked out by Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Vegas 83.
Anthony Smith, a one-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger, had to eat humble pie after his knockout loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Vegas 83. He felt the need to apologize to his fans.
Rountree’s left hand sent Smith sprawling early in the third round of the ESPN+ event. Smith was on the canvas just 56 seconds into the final frame. If Rountree hadn’t shown restraint, Smith might have taken more hits.
Smith, now 35, didn’t make any definitive statements about his career. This loss is another setback after his second victory over Ryan Spann in his previous match.
Smith took to Instagram to congratulate Khalil and his team. “Helluva performance. You deserve it,” he wrote. He also apologized to his fans, saying, “I gave it my all. Sometimes that’s not enough.”
In addition to fighting, Smith is a regular UFC analyst. He took the fight against Rountree on short notice after Azamat Murzakanov, Rountree’s original opponent, fell ill. Murzakanov had to withdraw from the card.
Rountree didn’t waste his post-fight speech. He used it to call out light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira. This was his fifth consecutive octagon win after a 1-3 stretch that had dampened his title aspirations.