As promised, Anthony Smith cut a promo on Alex Pereira in the wake of UFC 303 — though it’s probably not the one fight fans were expecting.
That’s because “Lionheart” was defeated by Roman Dolidze back on June 29 in Las Vegas, shortly before “Poatan” defended his light heavyweight title by stopping Jiri Prochazka in the UFC 303 main event.
As a result, Smith has been booted from the Pereira sweepstakes.
“Alex and I have this very cool relationship,” Smith told co-host Michael Bisping on Believe You Me. “I think it’s very, very cool what we have going on. I lost and he won, he’s the champion, maybe there is nothing there, ever. We’re very … I think just competitive in general, but when we’re in person, I thought it was so cool how we have a lot of respect for each other. Because it’s not awkward in person, it’s really not. It’s a head nod, acknowledgement, we don’t talk or shake hands or anything like that but we have no problem standing right next to each other in a room, doing media together. Not together, but in the same areas at the same time.”
I guess this awkward video featuring Smith and Pereira was taken out of context.
Smith expressed admiration for the competitive dynamic between him and the other person, acknowledging that it is not necessarily negative. Despite occasionally engaging in back-and-forth exchanges, Smith emphasized that the other person’s team has always been supportive and cool towards him. Smith acknowledged that it would be unjust to solely focus on critiquing the other person as a fighter, as they also display respect and kindness in social settings and in-person interactions. He concluded by affirming that their relationship remains positive whenever they meet face-to-face.
That explanation should satisfy all those “stupid” UFC fans.
Smith, currently ranked No. 11 at 205 pounds, was an outspoken critic when it came to Pereira’s title reign, which led to some harsh words from the Brazilian striker. Perhaps that’s water under the bridge after UFC 303, or maybe Smith has finally acknowledged that “Poatan” is here to stay.
Sounds like No. 2-ranked Magomed Ankalaev is happy to pick up where “Lionheart” left off.
