UFC 310 was always going to be a difficult moment for Anthony Smith, but it now looks like it might have been the last time fans see him compete inside the Octagon.
In the featured prelim at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, former light heavyweight title challengers met for the first time as “Lionheart” took on Dominick Reyes.
The entire fight week has been a particularly emotional one for Smith following the loss of his best friend and longtime cornerman, Scott Morton, last month. He chose to compete in order to channel his energy into something positive, but it was clear as he made his walkout that the moment was affecting him.
Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan questioned on commentary whether Smith should have been stepping inside the Octagon in that state, and that conversation only continued after he appeared to fight recklessly at points in the opening round. In the second, Reyes took full control of the contest, and after landing lots of ground-and-pound with his opponent seemingly reluctant to change the position, “The Devastator” secured back-to-back wins.
In his post-fight interview, Smith admitted that he was wrong about believing he could suppress his emotions in order to make the walk, telling Rogan that it will probably mark the last bout of his 58-fight career — though he will take some time before making the final decision.
Fans reacted to Smith’s emotional loss and interview via social media.
