Anthony Smith thinks he could possibly be on Alex Pereira’s radar in the event that they’re each victorious at UFC 303.
Within the June 29 headliner at T-Cellular Enviornment, UFC gentle heavyweight champion Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) rematches Jiri Prochazka. In the meantime, Smith (38-19 MMA, 13-9 UFC) meets rising contender Carlos Ulberg.
With Smith and Pereira having beforehand gone back-and-forth, Michael Bisping pitched the concept of them doubtlessly combating one another after UFC 303. “Lionheart” thinks he may get that combat if he will get previous Ulberg.
“I’m not likely occupied with that. I’m simply anxious about Carlos Ulberg,” Smith stated on the “Imagine You Me” podcast with Michael Bisping. “He’s a tall process. He’s actually good at what he does. He’s younger, he’s hungry, he’s received an enormous alternative in entrance of him.
“And I’ve received to do not forget that when these guys combat me, I’m their world title combat, they usually’re attempting to make a reputation off of me and I’ve received to ensure that doesn’t occur. I believe he’s received an unbelievable talent set on his toes. … If I minimize a promo on Alex Pereira proper afterwards, it traces up.”
Smith praised Pereira for saving the UFC 303 primary occasion after Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler was scrapped. However with Pereira having already crushed Prochazka earlier than, Smith thinks the opponent performed a component within the him taking the brief discover provide.
“What he’s doing is loopy,” Smith stated. “I simply can’t imagine that he’s out on this tour in Australia, hanging out, letting his toes heal up, and he’s like, ‘Two weeks? Yeah. Let’s do it.’ OK, I like that. I believe it was in all probability very matchup-specific.
“He wouldn’t in all probability have taken this combat with Magomed (Ankalaev) or – and I’m not attempting to hype myself, however in all probability not with me simply because there’s a distinct talent set. He’s already skilled for Jiri one time earlier than, so he’s acquainted with him. There’s not the stress and shock and awe of the unknown, so he already is aware of what he’s getting himself into.”
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