Anthony Smith makes statement after UFC Vegas 83 knockout loss to Khalil Rountree Jr.

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.

“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.