It was a tough night time for “Lionheart.”
Former Final Combating Championship (UFC) Gentle Heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes scored his second straight victory at UFC 310 final night time (Sat., Dec. 7, 2024) when he battered fellow title challenger Anthony Smith to win through TKO from inside T-Cellular Area in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch highlights).
Smith was very emotional all final week as he had the dying of one among his coaches hanging over his head, and all of it got here out on combat night time. “Lionheart” cried throughout the entirety of his walkout, and his feelings got here out throughout the combat as effectively.
After the combat, his opponent, Reyes, revealed he received an odd mid-fight request from Smith.
“So, after I went within the cage – I haven’t been round Anthony a lot in my life, for the file – however after I was within the cage with him, he was emotional, proper? That’s a harmful man, like he’s mentioned it, he’s combating for a good friend, and he doesn’t care in regards to the consequence, he simply needs to really feel one thing,” Reyes instructed the media throughout his post-fight press convention.
“There was some extent within the first spherical when he put his palms down and simply mentioned, ‘Punch me within the face,’ and I obliged,” Reyes continued. “That’s my job. My job is to complete you and get you out of there, whether or not you’re going via one thing or not, in case you’re going to present me free photographs or not, I’m going to hit you. We’re skilled fighters, and it’s a very harmful sport. God bless Anthony.”
“Shedding somebody is rarely straightforward; I’ve misplaced individuals to me this yr as effectively, and it’s horrible. I’m glad he received to come back out and be the warrior that he’s; that is his outlet,” Reyes concluded. My job is to win and provides my finest efficiency, and that’s all I used to be centered on. So, no matter you’re going via, when the door closes, it’s wartime.”
After the loss, Smith was interviewed by Joe Rogan and hinted at retirement by saying, “I don’t know what number of extra instances I can do that.” Nonetheless, UFC CEO Dana White stepped in as soon as the occasion concluded and retired Smith.
In the end, Smith turned “the man that has individuals telling you that you have to depart.”
For full UFC 310 outcomes, protection, and highlights, click on HERE.
