Smith Reflects on Win, Still Believes he Can Beat Teixeira & Rakic

Anthony Smith was coming off a couple of decisive losses, heading into UFC Vegas 15, but ‘Lionheart’ hasn’t lost faith in his abilities to beat the best of the best at 205.

Smith is “back where I belong”

The 32-year-old Smith faced Devin Clark on Saturday night, and the well-rounded fighter ended up scoring a quick, submission win. Smith took Clark down shortly into the fight, and then moved into the triangle-choke that finished the fight.

It was a massive win for Smith, as the rugged veteran was coming off clear-cut losses to Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakic. The losses have come during a year that has included the pandemic, as well as a horrifying incident at Smith’s house, where he ended up battling an intruder.

So, due to all this, Smith was understandably, pretty happy with what transpired at UFC Vegas 15. While reflecting on the win, and what’s gone done in 2020, ‘Lionheart’ said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“You forget what it feels like to win. I remember what a loss in 2006 felt like as an amateur.

I think I put a lot of pressure on myself. I don’t know, it’s been a crazy goddamn year, and it hurts even more when you’re losing to people you know you can beat.

Had Glover been a three-round fight, I would have won that fight. Had I not gotten the two leg kicks, I’m fairly confident I beat Rakic.

Both of those guys did great jobs, they’re both incredible competitors. Sometimes, the shoe just drops like that.

It’s just the break-in, and COVID-19, and getting my teeth knocked out, it’s just a mess, so it feels really good back where I belong.”

Smith also reported that he felt enormous pressure heading into his last bout, which was the 50th of his pro career.

“I’m not exactly sure why,” he said. “This one was heavy, though. I don’t know if the stakes are higher, or if it’s in the spotlight.

When I was back on the regional scene, no one gave a sh*t cared. I’d lost three or four in a row, and they’re like, whatever.

But the whole world is watching when it happens now, and you hear the whispers. Where’s his head at? Is he back to soon?

Is he healthy? Does he really want this? Is he too focused on the desk? Is he too worried about his pretty teeth.

I hear it all, so you don’t want to prove those people right, and that’s where the pressure comes. And then it’s just a spiral down from there, because then you’re worried about everything else.

“Tonight, I was just focused on reminding myself what it felt like, and going in and doing what I know I can do.

I know what I’m capable of, and I just need to do it.”

Understandable

Although Smith has been on losing streaks in the past, the fact he felt a lot of pressure heading into this bout makes sense. When Smith lost three straight bouts in 2013, he wasn’t in the position that he is today in the UFC: a top contender.

Now it will be interesting to see what comes next for Smith. Clark isn’t a top 15 ranked light heavyweight; chances are Smith’s next opponent will be.