Corey Anderson Responds to Anthony Smith, Says “Lionheart” Has “Got to Wait”

Recently Anthony Smith had some strong words for Corey Anderson and called on the light-heavyweight contender to sign a bout agreement. But, now Anderson’s outlined why he won’t be fighting Smith next.

Smith calls out Anderson

Following Anderson’s impressive win over Johnny Walker at UFC 244, the surging wrestler made it clear he wants to fight the champ, Jon Jones next. In fact, Anderson relayed that if he doesn’t get a title shot, he wants to be released by the UFC.

Well, around that time, Smith tweeted out this to Anderson:

.@CoreyA_MMA look at you now tough guy. You finally put someone away and now you talk shit to a barely ranked dude after you finish him? I hear my name is coming across your desk…sign it this time and I’ll do the @ufc a favor… or sit down, be humble and shut your mouth.

Anderson responds to “Lionheart”

Since Smith’s call out, Anderson appeared on “The Luke Thomas Show”. While discussing Smith’s challenge, the former TUF winner said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I have no interest in fighting Anthony Smith,” Anderson said. “I called Anthony Smith out after I fought at 232, and he answered back like two minutes later and said no, so now this time, he got to wait.”

“I don’t see anyone in front of me,” Anderson said. “That’s the point. I beat Jan Blachowicz, I’ve beat everybody that’s fought for a title. I beat all of these guys, you know? Just give me my due, and I’ll let my manager figure out the rest of it. I’m just here to fight. I’m going to train and I’ll be ready.”

Those comments, then in turn, prompted this from Smth:

There’s a difference.. I had a contract waiting for me the second job stepped out if the octogan. I’m gonna fight you instead? That’s ignorant. Secondly, Reyes is getting the shot, I’m not picking on you..per my point, you’re the next guy..ya dig?

So, we’ll see what happens here, but it would be kind of surprising if Anderson signed up to fight Smith, As noted above, Anderson has said he wants to fight for the belt next, and he’s also said he’ll wait for the winner of Jon Jones – Dominick Reyes (if that fight happens). Now, there’s a chance the UFC will insist he take a bout in the interim, sure. But if that happens, it looks like things could get pretty messy between Anderson and the promotion.