Anthony Smith`s long career in mixed martial arts concluded with an unforgiving outcome at UFC Kansas City. In his announced retirement fight, Smith suffered a severe cut early on before being stopped by Zhang Mingyang in the co-main event.
Smith had publicly stated this would be his final bout, win or lose. While he initially found some success with his own elbows, the gruesome cut inflicted by Zhang completely altered the trajectory of the fight.
With blood streaming into his eyes and impairing his vision, Smith`s subsequent takedown attempt failed. Zhang capitalized, unleashing a barrage of elbows that prompted referee Jason Herzog to halt the contest at 4:03 of the opening round.
Following the stoppage, a visibly emotional Smith addressed the Kansas City crowd, offering praise for Zhang`s performance.
“I felt OK but once I got clipped with that elbow and it was bleeding into my eyes,” Smith commented. “He does a great job in the clinch.” He reflected on his age relative to his opponent, stating, “Here I am, I`m aging, it is what it is. Father time wins tonight.” He also praised Zhang`s potential, adding, “He`s going to be fantastic and I look forward to seeing his career grow.”
While not the desired result, Smith embraced the moment of his planned retirement, soaking in the ovation from the appreciative crowd. The UFC also honored his extensive 17-year, 50-fight career with a tribute video highlighting his memorable moments.
An emotional Smith shared his journey, saying, “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.”
He continued, visibly moved, “I don’t even know what to say. Watching that video, I did that shit! I did that.” Referencing advice from Chael Sonnen, he added, “I’m going to take some advice from Chael 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.”
Despite the focus on Smith`s retirement, Zhang Mingyang rightfully celebrated the most significant win of his burgeoning career, improving his UFC record to 3-0 with all victories coming via first-round finish.
This impressive performance positions Zhang for a step up in competition and signals his arrival as a force in the light heavyweight division.
Zhang addressed the crowd post-fight, exclaiming, “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!”
Zhang Mingyang celebrates his first-round victory over Anthony Smith at UFC Kansas City.
