Anthony Smith

Veteran, durable light heavyweight contender who challenged for UFC gold in 2019 and has since retired from the UFC.

Anthony J. Smith was born on 26 July 1988 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was raised in Nebraska City by his single mother and grandfather after his father left the family. He began martial arts at eight, earning a blue belt in karate, before dropping out of high school in his senior year to work as a concrete finisher, and later served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician's Mate from 2007 to 2009. Smith turned professional in mixed martial arts in 2008, nicknamed "Lionheart," and built a reputation for toughness and durability across stints with Strikeforce and Bellator before signing with the UFC, going on to challenge Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship at UFC 235 in March 2019, a fight he lost by unanimous decision. Smith compiled a 17-year professional career with a record of 37 wins and 22 losses, and announced his retirement from the UFC following a 2025 knockout loss, before briefly returning to combat sports in a bare-knuckle bout for Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred promotion. In July 2026, Smith was arrested in Nebraska and charged with domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, terroristic threats, and false imprisonment, charges that remained pending as of his booking, a stark contrast to the veteran fighter reputation he had built across nearly two decades in the sport.

Smith is known for his well-rounded fighting style that combines effective striking with solid grappling skills. He possesses dangerous finishing ability both on the feet and on the ground, with notable knockout power and submission skills. His durability and mental toughness allow him to stay competitive even when facing adversity in fights.

Smith has established himself as a respected veteran and contender in the UFC's light heavyweight division, serving as a measuring stick for up-and-coming fighters.

• UFC Light Heavyweight title challenger, UFC 235, 2019