UFC’s Anthony Smith itching for next booking, needs fun fight

Anthony Smith has some circumstances round his subsequent UFC matchup.

Smith (37-19 MMA, 12-9 UFC), a former gentle heavyweight title challenger, is coming off a third-round TKO loss to Khalil Rountree in a short-notice bout at UFC Combat Night time 233 this previous December. He’s 1-3 in his previous 4 fights, and there’s a level of significance round his subsequent one.

He’s seeking to get one thing on the books within the coming months however admits he’ll first have to drop some weight earlier than leaping right into a coaching camp.

“I’m able to combat,” Smith stated on his “Believe You Me” podcast with co-host Michael Bisping. “It form of simply hit me. Not combat, combat, however prepared to start out discovering a combat. Choose up the exercises a bit bit. I’m fats. I’ve received this stomach hanging over the pants. I used to be 237 like every week in the past. I’m heavy. Once I’m off, I’m off. I’m all the way in which off.”

As Smith, 35, shifts his psychological and bodily state towards the path of competitors, he’s transferring away from his standard philosophy of taking something UFC matchmakers throw his manner.

Smith, No. 12 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie light heavyweight rankings, stated he’s eager to enter a scenario that makes his pulse beat a bit quicker than regular. He doesn’t know who or what would generate that feeling, however he’s assured when it comes up, he’ll realize it’s proper.

“I’ve been making an attempt to alter my mindset a bit bit, and there’s a pair issues that matter,” Smith stated. “The identify doesn’t actually matter – how I really feel about it actually issues. I need one thing that’s thrilling. And possibly divisionally it doesn’t make sense, I don’t know. I don’t care in the event that they’re ranked. I don’t care in the event that they’re not ranked, ranked excessive. I don’t care who it’s. It needs to be one thing that I deem as enjoyable. And I do know that’s actually silly, however after I hear the identify I need it to be thrilling. I need it to be like, ‘Oh, that may be enjoyable.’

“I would like one thing that’s enjoyable, and I need to sit up for it. The hazard issue doesn’t actually matter to me. I don’t care how arduous the combat’s going to be. I need it to be somebody that will get me excited, and I need it to be someplace that will get me excited. The timing – I’m much less involved with the timing. Could or June.”