Anthony Smith is a one-time UFC title challenger, though he faltered 48-44 against Jon Jones across the board. After the loss to Jones, Smith went 6-5 with losses against Glover Teixeira, Aleksandar Rakic, Magomed Ankalaev, Johnny Walker, and Khalil Rountree Jr. Smith is 35 years of age and works as an analyst for ESPN. The heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions of the UFC have been kind to the older fighters. For context, in the weight classes from welterweight and below, fighters older than 35 have a losing record when compared with fighters younger than 35.
Can Anthony Smith get a second shot at the title?
Alex Pereira is the current champion of the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Next for Pereira is either Jiri Prochazka or Magomed Ankalaev. Jamahal Hill takes on Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 303. The winner of Hill vs Rountree would determine the next contender for the champion. For Smith to get a second title shot, the first step is to rematch with Aleksandar Rakic who defeated him at UFC Vegas 8. If victorious against Rakic, Smith could insert himself into the title picture with one more victory, potentially against ex-champion Jan Blachowicz who is recovering from an injury.
Rakic is one of the best strikers in the division. Moreover, he is also one of the biggest light heavyweights in the UFC. His striking was on full display when he fought Smith for the first time. Moreover, he showed exceptional striking skill against Jiri Prochazka, even though he lost via TKO. Smith’s best chance against Rakic is via submission. However, that is a tough task. Rakic has improved after he fought Smith while Smith has shown a decline in his skills. As of now, Smith has become somewhat of a gatekeeper of the division. If victorious against Smith, fighters find themselves in a number one contender fight.
If Smith somehow wins against Rakic, he could get a potential number-one contender fight. A rematch with either Magomed Ankalaev or a fresh matchup against Jan Blachowicz would be the number one contender fight. Amongst Rakic, Ankalaev, and Blachowicz, Smith has his best chance against a Polish fighter. A victory over the Pole for Smith would be a massive upset. If Smith defeats Ankalave or Rakic, it would be a monumental upset. Nevertheless, Glover Teixeira was a UFC light heavyweight champion at 42. However, Anthony Smith is no Glover Teixeira. Nonetheless, Smith has defeated a young lion like Vitor Petrino. So, anything is possible.
