LAS VEGAS – Anthony Smith (31-13) knows what’s up. The humble and articulate challenger to Jon Jones (23-1, 1NC) UFC light heavyweight strap realizes he’s the heavy underdog going into the biggest fight of his life this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena.
“I don’t see a lot of believers, but I see a lot of hopers,” Smith said during his open workouts at the MGM Grand, Thursday afternoon. That, though, is more than enough for Smith. “That really means a lot to me.”
At least one other former UFC championship contender is willing to put his reputation on the line and vouch for Smith’s chances against Jones. Chael Sonnen, who used to train with Smith, believes the #3 ranked light heavyweight has the grit to shock the world and end Jones’ light heavyweight dominance.
“Anthony Smith only has to win five seconds of this fight and he’s ready to do it mentally and physically,” Sonnen said on ESPN. “I believe he can do it. He only needs those five seconds. I believe he can stop Jon Jones,” he added.
A career middleweight, Smith moved up to light heavyweight less than a year ago and has gone undefeated ever since with impressive wins over former champs and future Hall of Famers, Rashad Evans, Shogun Rua and Volkan Oezdemir.
Vegas odds has Smith as a 10-1 underdog. A win over Jones will definitely shock, not only the MMA world, but sports altogether.
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