Anthony “Lionheart” Smith’s highly publicized fight against Zhang Mingyang turned out to be a devastating farewell to his MMA career. The 60-year-old veteran of 60 pro fights was left bloodied in the first round, marking the end of an era for fans who have watched him grow into one of the sport’s most respected figures.
Smith had announced his retirement fight beforehand, but no one could have predicted how quickly and convincingly Zhang would dismantle him. Despite this setback, Smith received a fitting tribute from the UFC and its audience, which included a heartfelt video featuring his family, training partners, and colleagues, including Daniel Cormier and Laura Sanko.
While some may view Smith’s achievement as falling short of expectations, given his storied career and contributions to the sport, it is essential to remember that he spent years pushing himself to new heights. As an analyst for the UFC, Smith will now have the opportunity to impart his expertise without facing the physical risks that defined so much of his career.
Smith’s departure marks a significant shift in the light heavyweight division, opening up space for up-and-coming fighters and having far-reaching implications for the sport’s broadcasting team.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2025/04/27/ufc-veteran-retires-in-the-octagon-after-taking-bloody-beatdown