Johnny Walker congratulates Anthony Smith on UFC Singapore win, insists ‘I didn’t attack your family’

Johnny WalkerLight heavyweight standout Johnny Walker congratulated Anthony Smith on his return to the win column at UFC Singapore, but once again made it clear that he in no way attacked his family. On Saturday, ‘Lionheart’ snapped a two-fight losing skid after scoring a closely contested split decision victory over Ryan Spann. It was Smith’s second […]

Johnny Walker

Light heavyweight standout Johnny Walker congratulated Anthony Smith on his return to the win column at UFC Singapore, but once again made it clear that he in no way attacked his family.

On Saturday, ‘Lionheart’ snapped a two-fight losing skid after scoring a closely contested split decision victory over Ryan Spann. It was Smith’s second victory over Spann, having earned a first-round submission against ‘Superman’ in 2021. The win will no doubt help erase the bad taste left in Smith’s mouth after delivering a lackluster performance against rising contender Johnny Walker earlier this year.

Walker had a dominant performance against Smith in May, but much of his victory was overshadowed by a very strange accusation that ‘Lionheart’ made during their UFC on ABC 4 scrap.

During the second round of the bout, Anthony Smith could be heard telling Walker, “You’re attacking my family.” A confused Walker said, “What?” before Smith repeated his statement.

Johnny Walker Recalls Awkward Exchange with Anthony Smith

Taking to social media following Smith’s win inside Singapore Indoor Stadium, Johnny Walker congratulated his former foe online and reassured Smith that he never attacked his family.

“Congratulations @lionheartasmith for the win, but I didn’t attack your family I promise you,” Walker wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

To this day, the motivation behind Smith’s statement is unclear, but many believe that it could have been ‘Lionheart’ using a terrifying moment from his life to help get him in a mindset to fight inside the Octagon.

Appearing on the Believe You Me podcast with Michael Bisping not long after the loss to Johnny Walker, Smith detailed an incident where he and his family were the victims of a home invasion. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and the intruder was taken into custody, but fight fans believe that ‘Lionheart’ could still be suffering PTSD from the incident with many pointing to the video clip below:

Anthony Smith suffers gnarly eye injury in razor thin decision win over Ryan Spann – UFC Singapore Highlights

Anthony Smith survives gnarly eye injury to win close decision in rematch Ryan Spann UFC SingaporeHaving previously submitted arch-rival, Ryan Spann back in 2021, one-time light heavyweight title challenger, Anthony Smith managed to survive some serious adversity from the second round onward in the co-main event of UFC Singapore tonight — defeating the former for the second time in his career in a close, split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) victory. […]

Anthony Smith survives gnarly eye injury to win close decision in rematch Ryan Spann UFC Singapore

Having previously submitted arch-rival, Ryan Spann back in 2021, one-time light heavyweight title challenger, Anthony Smith managed to survive some serious adversity from the second round onward in the co-main event of UFC Singapore tonight — defeating the former for the second time in his career in a close, split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) victory.

Back to the winner’s enclosure for the first time in two years since his submission win over Spann, Nebraska veteran, Smith was forced to continue through a massive swelling around is left eye caused by a left hand from the former, gritting through from the second frame through to the third to win a close split judging triumph.

Announcing plans for a title siege following a prior 2019 decision loss to former division kingpin and current heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, Smith, who had entered tonight’s pairing with Spann off the back of consecutive losses to both Magomed Ankalaev, and Johnny Walker, can now enter the winner’s enclosure for the first time in two years.

Below, catch the highlights from Anthony Smith’s decision win over Ryan Spann

Anthony Smith reflects on career choices ahead of UFC Singapore: ‘I wanted to be a bigger version of Donald Cerrone

anthony smithFormer UFC light-heavyweight title challenger, Anthony Smith, reflects on his career ahead of his Octagon return this weekend.  Smith will be looking to earn his first win since 2021 at UFC Fight Night Singapore, in what will be a rematch of that fight, taking on Ryan Spann. While his latest outings have been less than […]

anthony smith

Former UFC light-heavyweight title challenger, Anthony Smith, reflects on his career ahead of his Octagon return this weekend. 

Smith will be looking to earn his first win since 2021 at UFC Fight Night Singapore, in what will be a rematch of that fight, taking on Ryan Spann. While his latest outings have been less than encouraging, Smith has enjoyed a successful career in the UFC.

Smith has gone 11-8 with the promotion and has fought consistently and against the toughest opposition possible – challenging Jon Jones for his 205lb title back in March of 2019. Lionheart’ holds wins over the likes of Alexander Gustafsson, Rashad Evans and Volkan Oezdemir and half of his losses with the UFC have came to either former champions, or former title challengers.

Anthony Smith reflects on career mindset

Smith is more than willing to face anyone, regardless of circumstances and clearly takes pride in this mindset. Talking to ESPN, Smith discussed this and would draw a comparison to UFC legend, Donald Cerrone. 

“I’ve just always had the mindset that if you wanna be the champion you’ve gotta be able to beat everybody,” Smith explained. “And I haven’t done that up to this point, I’ve had some hiccups. Listen man, here’s my biggest mistake. I’ve always said that I wanted to be like the bigger version of Donald Cerrone. Like I’ll fight anybody, anytime, anyplace.” (H/T MMA News)

While the mindset is commentable, Smith has concluded that it may have been to the detriment of his career.

“I’ve lived up to that. I’ll take all comers, I’ll fight lower-ranked guys, I’ll fight higher-ranked guys, I’ll fight on short notice,” Smith continued.  “I’ll fight across the world, it doesn’t matter. What I didn’t take into account is maybe I’ve absorbed some of the inconsistencies that Donald Cerrone’s seen at times, where I think sometimes I show up and I can beat anybody in the world and sometimes I’m not as consistent. That’s really my issue man. I don’t really care who the opponent is, I’m just worried about trying to be as consistent as possible.”

Anthony Smith talks to ESPN

How do you think Anthony Smith will do this weekend?

Nikita Krylov submits Ryan Spann with first-round triangle choke – UFC Las Vegas Highlights

Nikita KrylovUFC Las Vegas featured a battle between two top-10 light heavyweight contenders and No. 6 ranked Nikita Krylov met No. 8 ranked Ryan Spann. The pair were previously scheduled to scrap two weeks ago, but a fight-day illness forced Krylov to withdraw. Stepping into the Octagon in a 215-pound catchweight contest, patient fans were treated […]

Nikita Krylov

UFC Las Vegas featured a battle between two top-10 light heavyweight contenders and No. 6 ranked Nikita Krylov met No. 8 ranked Ryan Spann. The pair were previously scheduled to scrap two weeks ago, but a fight-day illness forced Krylov to withdraw. Stepping into the Octagon in a 215-pound catchweight contest, patient fans were treated to a fast-paced grappling matchup.

Immediately coming out looking to make a statement, Spann landed a big right hand that stumbled Krylov. Moving in, Spann attempted to capitalize and things went to the ground, but Krylov was able to stay one step ahead of ‘Superman’ during the ground exchanges. Both fighters traded submission attempts in an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but when it was all said and done, Krylov managed to score the victory via a triangle choke.

Official Result: Nikita Krylov def. Ryan Spann via submission (triangle choke) at 3:38 of Round 1

Check Out Highlights From Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann at UFC Las Vegas Below:

UFC Fight Night 221: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili Full Fight Card, How To Watch

This weekend, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan will return to action at UFC Fight Night 221 against Merab Dvalishvili. Yan will attempt to end his two-fight losing streak this weekend. His last loss was against Sean O’Malley by split dec…

This weekend, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan will return to action at UFC Fight Night 221 against Merab Dvalishvili. Yan will attempt to end his two-fight losing streak this weekend. His last loss was against Sean O’Malley by split decision at UFC 280 on Oct. 22, 2022. While on a losing skid, Yan is…

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night 221: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili Full Fight Card, How To Watch at MMA News.

Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Reportedly Rebooked But Loses Main Event Status

UFC light heavyweight contenders Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann appear set for a second attempt at sharing the Octagon. The #6-ranked Krylov and the #8-ranked Spann were slated to throw down this past weekend in the main event of UFC Fight Night 220. Unf…

UFC light heavyweight contenders Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann appear set for a second attempt at sharing the Octagon. The #6-ranked Krylov and the #8-ranked Spann were slated to throw down this past weekend in the main event of UFC Fight Night 220. Unfortunately, disaster struck on fight night when the European veteran was unable…

Continue Reading Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Reportedly Rebooked But Loses Main Event Status at MMA News.