A. Smith is a former UFC light heavyweight title challenger. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @lionheartasmith
Summoned to perform in Rio de Janeiro, on May 04th, Anthony Smith did not hide irritation with the challenge made by Victor Petrino recently. Keeping an eye on the intentions of his next opponent, the veteran questioned why the Brazilian had not targeted better ranked athletes instead of mentioning his name as the first option.
"I'm offended. Why didn't he call someone higher ranked? Why didn't he call (Aleksandar) Rakic? As far as deadlines go, Rakic will be fighting soon. That would be a little closer to his timeline, in terms of two guys who are fighting at the same time. Why didn't you call Rakic or Volkan oezdemir? Why didn't you call any of these guys? Because you think you can beat me. You’re not sure about other people and that irritates me,” Smith told 'MMA Today'.
See too
By continuing his speech, Smith assured that he will not serve as a ladder and stated that he is not finished in MMA.
“I'm not finished. I'm not the old wounded lion that walks around waiting to be killed by the younger ones. That's not my case. I refuse to be the new Neil Magny. There are three guys in a month and a half who fought, won and asked me to fight. All unranked, all young. Let's get this over with right away. Call me guardian. Call me whatever the hell you want to call me, but here’s the fact: I’ve been struggling within the top 10 for a long time,” she concluded.
Victor Petrino (dir) faces Anthony Smith No. UFC 301. (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)
Escalated to the UFC 301, Smith and Petrino face each other on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro. Undefeated in his career, the Brazilian has been enjoying four victories in the organization and challenged the North American after defeating his last opponent. In case of victory, Vitor could enter the light heavyweight ranking (93kg.) and steal the position of 10th placed from 'Coração de Leão'.
You need login To comment.