59-fight UFC veteran calls it quits after devastating final fight

Not all MMA retirements are made equal, especially in the UFC, where grizzled veterans are thrown to the wolves.

For every fighter like Khabib Nurmagomedov or Georges St-Pierre who retire on top, there are a dozen fringe contenders who lay down the gloves following bloody losing streaks.

The latest to join their ranks is 59-fight MMA veteran Anthony Smith...

Anthony Smith fighting Dominick Reye — Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Anthony Smith retires following UFC Kansas City defeat

Smith's planned retirement fight was booked for April 26, the co-main event for UFC Kansas City.

'Lionheart,' once a challenger to Jon Jones' light heavyweight throne, didn't get an easy out, coming up against Mingyang Zhang. The Chinese striker rides a twelve-fight winning streak, all coming by knockout in the first round. All of Zhang's wins are first-round knockouts, and Smith was no different.

Zhang mauled Smith with leg kicks and elbows, splitting his forehead and drawing forth a fountain of blood. Before long, Smith attempted a takedown, and Zhang stuffed his head into the canvas. Blood pooled as Zhang rained down elbows on Smith, before the fight was called.

ZHANG MINGYANG FINISHES ANTHONY SMITH IN THE FIRST ROUND! #UFCKansasCity pic.twitter.com/KuSpQmgKez
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 27, 2025

It's not the fairytale ending Smith fans had hoped for, but he did receive a heartwarming sendoff from the UFC in the form of a retirement package.

One last time for Anthony "Lionheart" Smith 👏 #UFCKansasCity pic.twitter.com/eGOeTH7WFG
— UFC (@ufc) April 27, 2025

Happy retirement Anthony Smith!

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