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Anthony Smith is confident that a win at UFC Vegas 83 could pave the way for a title shot.
Stepping up on short notice to face Khalil Rountree in the co-main event, Smith sees this fight as pivotal for his division. While Jamahal Hill may be next in line, Smith believes a standout performance on Saturday could make it difficult for the champion to deny him a title shot.
Speaking at UFC Vegas 83 media day, Anthony Smith stated, “I just think I need to not give him any other option. I know champions want to feel like they make all the decisions, if there is no clear contender and I go in there and look really good and put myself in a position where people start asking for it, that will be the fight. We got to hurry up and do it quick because we have Ankalaev and Johnny Walker fighting, let’s do it quick and they want to sign it really fast before those guys fight.” [source]
If he does secure a title shot against Alex Pereira, Smith believes a victory over the Brazilian would be the ultimate validation of his career. He emphasizes that it would hold more significance for him to claim the belt from Pereira than from any other opponent.
“I think it would mean more (to win the belt off Pereira). Since Jon left, the title’s been kind of playing hot potato a little bit. Really all I’ve ever wanted is for my journey to be recognized, you know? I think taking it off of Alex would validate me,” Smith said. “I don’t think anybody could really say anything about that. People would have to respect that. I think it’s a tall task. I think it’s a really tough fight, and that means something as well. Yeah, I think that would mean a lot to me.”
While currently the eighth-ranked light heavyweight, Smith shares a bit of a rivalry with Alex Pereira, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. With Hill’s status uncertain, a victory over Rountree at UFC Vegas 83 could potentially position Anthony “Lionheart” Smith for a shot at the title.
Last seen in the octagon with a split-decision win over Ryan Spann, Smith looks to build on his momentum. Despite recent setbacks, Smith boasts meaningful victories over opponents such as Jimmy Crute, Alexander Gustafsson, Shogun Rua, and Volkan Oezdemir among others. Read more Read More rnrn