Anthony Smith (fighter)

Anthony Smith (born July 26, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist.

He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

A professional competitor since 2008, Smith has also formerly competed for Strikeforce and Bellator.

As of December 12, 2023, he is #10 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Smith grew up in Nebraska City.

He was raised by his single mother and grandfather, as his dad was absent.

He has stated that he is biracial.

Smith dropped out of high school in the middle of his senior year.

Smith started his career in 2008 and fought mainly for local promotions in the midwestern United States.

He compiled a professional record of 13–7, with wins against WEC veterans Logan Clark, Eric Schambari and losses to UFC veterans Jake Hecht and Jesse Forbes, before signing with Strikeforce.

Smith made his Strikeforce debut on July 22, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Bowling vs. Voelker III against Ben Lagman, replacing an injured Louis Taylor.

He won via KO in the second round.

Smith faced Adlan Amagov on November 18, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Britt vs. Sayers.

He lost via KO in the first round.

Smith faced Lumumba Sayers on August 18, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman.

He won via submission in the first round.

Smith faced Roger Gracie on January 12, 2013, at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine.

He lost via submission in the second round.

After the end of Strikeforce, Smith moved to UFC.

In his debut, Smith faced Antônio Braga Neto on June 8, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 10.

He lost the fight via kneebar submission in the first round.

He was subsequently released from the UFC.

On April 18, 2014, Smith made his Bellator MMA debut facing Victor Moreno at Bellator 117 winning via triangle choke submission in the second round.

Smith faced Brian Green on October 17, 2014, at Bellator 129.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

He started working full-time as a concrete finisher, which he continued until 2016.

On February 16, 2016, Smith was re-signed to the UFC.

He faced promotional newcomer Leonardo Augusto Leleco on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 83, replacing an injured Trevor Smith.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Smith was briefly scheduled to face Scott Askham on July 8, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale.

However, Askham pulled out of the bout on April 28 and was replaced by Cezar Ferreira.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Smith next faced Elvis Mutapčić on December 3, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale.

He won the fight via TKO in the second round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.

Smith faced Andrew Sanchez on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.

He won the fight via knockout due to a combination of knee and punches in the third round.

Smith faced Héctor Lombard on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116.

He won the fight via technical knockout in the third round.

Smith faced Thiago Santos on February 3, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 125.

He lost the fight via technical knockout.