Anthony Smith’s Retirement Plans on Hold: MMA Veteran’s Career Decision Takes a Turn

When Anthony “Lionheart” Smith announced that his upcoming UFC Kansas City bout against Zhang Mingyang would be his career finale, fans prepared to bid farewell to a true veteran of the octagon. But in classic MMA fashion, things aren’t exactly going according to plan.

It turns out retirement has been… well, complicated for the 36-year-old fighter.

The Retirement That Wasn’t

I’ve seen fighters change their minds about retirement countless times over my years covering MMA, but Smith’s situation feels different. After 54 professional fights spanning nearly 15 years, the Nebraska native seemed at peace with his decision to hang up the gloves following his UFC Kansas City appearance.

But something changed.

“I’ve been talking about it for a while,” Smith revealed during a recent media appearance. “But after sitting down with my team and family, I realized I’m not quite done. There’s still more I want to accomplish in this sport.”

This revelation has sent ripples through the MMA community, with fans speculating about what prompted the change of heart.

Why Fighters Struggle with Retirement

The fighting life isn’t just a career—it’s an identity. For athletes like Smith who’ve dedicated their prime years to combat sports, walking away often proves more challenging than any opponent they’ve faced in the cage.

Consider these factors that typically make retirement difficult for fighters:

• Financial concerns and uncertainty about post-fighting careers
• The addictive nature of competition and adrenaline
• The struggle to replace the structure and purpose fighting provides
• The fear of being forgotten in a sport that quickly moves on

Smith isn’t alone in this struggle. UFC history is filled with legends who announced retirement only to return—Randy Couture, Georges St-Pierre, and Conor McGregor (multiple times) all come to mind.

What’s Next for Lionheart?

With retirement shelved, at least temporarily, Smith now faces Zhang Mingyang with a different mindset. Rather than his last walk to the octagon, this becomes another chapter in a storied career.

Smith’s record of 37-17 reflects a fighter who’s faced the best in multiple weight classes, including Jon Jones, Alexander Gustafsson, and Glover Teixeira. His reputation as a gritty, never-say-die warrior has earned him respect throughout the MMA world.

The Fighter’s Dilemma

You might wonder why someone would continue putting their body through the rigors of fight camp and combat when they’ve already accomplished so much. It’s a question I’ve asked many fighters over the years.

The answer usually comes down to one thing: love of the game.

“Fighting is who I am,” Smith has said previously. “When you’ve done something your whole adult life, the thought of not doing it anymore is scarier than any opponent.”

This sentiment echoes throughout combat sports, where athletes frequently compete well past their prime, driven by passion rather than practicality.

Fan Reactions and Community Support

The MMA community’s response to Smith’s retirement reversal has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fans appreciate his honesty about the difficulty of walking away and respect his right to continue competing as long as he feels capable.

As one fan commented on social media: “Smith has earned the right to end his career on his own terms. If that means fighting a few more times, I’m here for it.”

Looking Ahead: What This Means for UFC Kansas City

Smith’s fight against Zhang Mingyang now carries different stakes. Rather than a farewell performance, it’s potentially the beginning of Smith’s final chapter in the sport.

The pressure of a “retirement fight” has been lifted, which might actually benefit Smith as he prepares for the dangerous Zhang, who enters this bout on a 10-fight win streak.

Will Smith Actually Retire?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned covering this sport, it’s that retirement announcements should always come with an asterisk. The competitive fire that drives these athletes to the highest levels of the sport rarely extinguishes easily.

Whether Smith fights once more or ten more times, his legacy as one of the most resilient and authentic competitors of his era is secure.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Are you surprised by Smith’s decision to postpone retirement? Should fighters have a more concrete exit strategy from the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know if you’ll be watching when Smith steps into the octagon at UFC Kansas City.

Until next time, this is your ringside reporter signing off—keeping you informed on all the latest twists and turns in the world of MMA.

Source: UFC Press Release