Anthony Smith‘s 17-year MMA career ended with a tough loss to Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City, where despite a valiant effort, he was defeated by ground-and-pound, prompting praise from peers and criticism of the fight’s stoppage timing.
Anthony Smith got a harsh reminder of the fight game’s brutal nature. “Lionheart” entered the UFC Kansas City co-main event, knowing it was his final fight after a 17-year career. He hoped for a better send-off, but Zhang Mingyang had other plans.
Zhang hit Smith with a crushing elbow in the first round, finishing with relentless ground-and-pound. Blood stained the canvas as referee Jason Herzog watched closely. Despite giving Smith ample time to recover, it was evident the fight—and Smith’s career—was over at 4:03.
Peers praised Smith’s contributions to MMA, though Rafael dos Anjos criticized the stoppage as too late. “What a terrible stoppage,” Dos Anjos tweeted. “Get this man fired.”
Dos Anjos also acknowledged Smith’s fierce career, calling him a beast. “Happy retirement,” he added. Check out social media reactions to Smith’s last fight below.
Israel Adesanya chimed in with a nod to Smith’s resilience, tweeting, “I did that shit!” Meanwhile, Kenny Florian reflected on the unpredictability of retirement fights, noting that perfect endings are rare.
Brian Kelleher kept it simple: “Congrats Anthony Smith on a great career.” Terrance McKinney, on the other hand, expressed reluctance about retirement fights, stating he’d never announce his own retirement to the UFC.
McKinney also thanked Smith for the memories, calling him a “brotha” with a beautiful family. Big John McCarthy extended his best wishes, celebrating Smith’s inspirational career.
In the end, the fight world rallied around Smith, honoring his legacy. A career marked by battles against the best—a true Lionheart till the end.