Forget July, Anthony Smith Wants A Match Against Jon Jones As Soon As Possible!
Anthony Smith works on FOX as a fight analyst. But when an active UFC fighter covers the division he competes in, beef simply can’t be avoided.
Smith was covering the match between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson on Saturday night. But a post-fight show with Jones turned into a title shot callout!
Did @JonnyBones and @lionheartsmith just set up a date for July?… pic.twitter.com/RwnkoSKhKC
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 30, 2018
The retired MMA fighter Kenny Florian asked Jon Jones if he’d be interested in fighting Anthony Smith. (h/t Forbes.com)
“I believe that this is my era,” Jones said. “I believe that I’m only getting better and I will defeat who I have to defeat.”
Smith then asked Jon Jones about his fighting plans for July but got a surprising answer.
“I got you in July if that’s what it’s going to be,” Jones answered. “I got anybody. I’m not worried about a damn thing, you know that.”
Jones then criticized Anthony Smith for using his “analyst position” to challenge him.
“Don’t use your FOX platform to talk your way into a fight,” said Jones. “Show me an impressive fight. Show me an impressive fight.”
Smith furiously replied.
“Me? Are you talking to me?” asked an incredulous Smith. “Using a FOX platform? I think I’ve been pretty respectful so far, Jon. You should try it out.”
Jones later trolled “Lionheart” on his Twitter for his “attempt to wait until July”.
This man is trying to wait until July, I got some catching up to do. https://t.co/eUQ68uCMQY
— BONY (@JonnyBones) December 31, 2018
Frustrated Anthony Smith took to his Twitter account on Monday to declare he was ready to fight Jon Jones “anytime, anywhere”.
I just thought that sounded fun. I think we can set the games aside, Jon. You and I both know I need a date and location. You name it, I’ll be there.
The year 2018 was very successful for Anthony Smith. He earned a KO win over Rashad Evans at UFC 225 at his Light Heavyweight debut. Then he elbowed Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to sleep at UFC Fight Night 134. In his last match, “Lionheart” forced Volkan Oezdemir to tap out at UFC Fight Night 138 after a rear-naked choke.
At the moment, Anthony Smith is #3 in official UFC Light Heavyweight rankings, behind champion Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson.
What are your thoughts on this? Would Anthony Smith give “Bones” a hard time?
