Anthony Smith expresses doubts about Alex Pereira‘s sincerity in challenging him to a grappling match but asserts his readiness to accept, adding that he doesn’t understand Pereira’s indignation over his comments about Pereira’s size in the light heavyweight division, and expresses support for Pereira’s potential to become a two-division UFC champion.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Anthony Smith threw doubt on his opponent Alex Pereira’s challenge for a grappling match, suggesting it to be mere talk. However, Smith expressed that he wouldn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to face Pereira, a former UFC champion. During an interview on The MMA Hour, Smith answered a question about Pereira’s recent social media post that apparently challenges him to a match at a future UFC Fight Pass Invitational event, raising questions about Pereira’s seriousness. Smith brushed off the challenge as media play. “I would grapple him in my front yard right now. I would smoke him in a grappling match,” He added.
Smith and Pereira’s feud began a month ago, arising from media day interview comments made by Smith following his victory over Ryan Spann at a UFC event in Singapore. Smith had made remarks about Pereira’s switch from middleweight to light heavyweight, and despite his praise for Pereira’s divisional debut against Jan Blachowicz, made critical comments about Pereira’s size and prowess in the higher weight class. This led to a heated exchange between the two fighters, with Pereira retorting dismissively to Smith’s comments.
Nearly a month later, Smith appeared to still be perplexed by Pereira’s reaction to his comments. He hypothesized that Pereira, as an MMA character, enjoys having an opponent, not only in the fighting ring but in the media as well. Smith also questioned the accuracy of the translation of his comments about Pereira’s size, explaining that he was merely observing that Pereira didn’t stand out amongst other light heavyweights in physical stature.
Despite their personal grievances, both fighters have their own professional futures to focus on. Smith is planning a comeback soon after his victory over Spann, expressing interest in taking on Blachowicz. Pereira, on the other hand, is likely to fight Jiri Prochazka for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in the fourth quarter of 2023. Interestingly, despite their feud, Smith believes Pereira has a good chance to become a two-division UFC champion. In a bit of a twist, he recognized Pereira’s boxing skills and proclivity to withstand hits, labeling him as the more powerful puncher in the division.