UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping wants to see his podcast co-host Anthony Smith return to the Octagon despite a concerning performance at UFC 310.
Anthony Smith’s fight against Dominick Reyes at UFC 310 was supposed to be part of his grieving process stemming from the loss of his longtime friend and coach, Scott Morton. But, things didn’t go according to plan against Reyes as he lost by TKO and allegedly begged Reyes to punch him as he lowered his guard.
After competing for the first time since Morton’s death, a tearful Smith teased retirement in the Octagon at UFC 310. While he didn’t explicitly say he’s done fighting, he hinted at the steep mountain to climb in attempting to compete again without Morton in his corner.
It was a sad evening for fans and pundits after watching Smith compete at the highest level during his career and at one point contending for the light heavyweight title. But Bisping, Smith’s weekly podcast co-host, believes Smith should fight at least one more time and prepare as if it’s for a world championship.
Michael Bisping encourages Anthony Smith not to retire after UFC 310
During a recent episode of the Believe You Me podcast, Bisping weighed in on Smith’s performance and his next move.
“I don’t think he should’ve taken that fight, at all,” Bisping said of Smith. “But I don’t think he will retire. I think when he watches that back, he’s going to be embarrassed when he watches it, and it’ll inspire him to come back. The world doesn’t deserve to remember him like that…
“Maybe it was therapeutic in some ways, but I’d like to see him fight again…this isn’t a sport that you play, and that’s why Dana White says Chris Weidman and Clay Guida need to retire. That s*** will stay with you,” Bisping continued. “If he fights, I’m going to give him a call, and say ‘If you do this, do it for the right reasons. Train as if you’re training for a world title fight, as if you’re going against Jon Jones’. Leave no stone unturned, otherwise if you’re not willing to do that, then don’t even think about it in the first place!”
Before the loss to Reyes, Smith lost to Roman Dolidze in a short-notice booking at UFC 303. His last win came against Vitor Petrino at UFC 301, a fight in which he appeared to return to prime form in a first-round submission win.
After UFC 310, UFC CEO Dana White implored Smith, Chris Weidman, and Clay Guida to all retire following defeats on the card. Guida has since declined White’s insistence and is preparing for an eventual return to the cage.
Anthony Smith still mourning the loss of longtime friend and coach Scott Morton
Smith is one of the most accomplished light heavyweights in UFC history with wins over Rashad Evans, Alexander Gustafsson, and Volkan Oezdemir. He fought for the light heavyweight belt at UFC 235, falling to Jon Jones by unanimous decision.
In addition to his fighting career, Smith is also a prominent analyst for ESPN’s MMA coverage. Once he decides to hang up the gloves, he has a promising career full-time in broadcasting.
In the meantime, as Smith continues to grieve the loss of a key part of his inner circle, fighting is probably one of the last things on his mind after UFC 310. But Bisping hopes Smith will put his best foot forward and compete one more time in the Octagon to give fans a lasting impression.