Filling in on short notice didn’t work out this weekend for Anthony “Lionheart” Smith. A late replacement for Azamat Murzakanov, who withdrew due to an illness, Smith told reporters he agreed to the bout because he likes doing “crazy sh*t,” adding that “Taking a fight with Khalil Rountree on like 10 days’ notice is pretty crazy.”
Unfortunately for Smith he failed to build on his split decision victory over Ryan Spann, suffering a second-round knockout at the hands of Rountree.
Following the defeat, Smith congratulated his opponent on Instagram and told his supporters he was sorry for letting them down.
Anthony Smith released a statement following his disappointing loss against Khalil Rountree Jr. #UFCVegas83 pic.twitter.com/5vTROlyQkZ
— Jake Foley🇺🇸🥋 (@JFoMMATalk) December 10, 2023
“Congrats to Khalil and his team. Helluva performance. You deserve it,” Smith wrote. “Sorry to everyone who supports me. I gave it my all. Sometimes that’s not enough.”
Lionheart, 35, falls to 37-19 with the loss.
Both men expressed interest in a title shot in the buildup to the fight. Following the victory, Rountree called out light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Rountree also picked up a $50,000 performance of the night bonus for the knockout.
