Anthony Smith is aware of he’s not presently within the title image, however hopes he will get a chance to face Alex Pereira some day.
The pair traded barbs previously, however Smith insists it’s nothing private. UFC gentle heavyweight champion Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) presently awaits his subsequent challenger after knocking out Jamahal Hill in his first title protection at UFC 300.
In the meantime, Smith (37-19 MMA, 12-9 UFC) meets rising contender Vitor Petrino (11-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at UFC 301 on Could 4 in Rio. If Smith climbs his means again up into the higher echelon of the division, he thinks a matchup towards Pereira can be intriguing for the each of them.
“Yeah, he’s enjoyable, and him and I’ve had our phrases back-and-forth,” Smith informed Submission Radio. “I don’t assume that there’s any actual beef there, however there’s positively one thing there with him and I, the place, given the chance, we each would soar on it.
“If I can put myself right into a place the place, holy sh*t, right here, we’re on a bit of little bit of a streak and issues are going effectively, the timing works out, I believe each of us would soar on that chance. And I don’t know why that’s. … I don’t know – actual acknowledges actual, a bit of bit.”
Smith additionally sees the stylistic matchup with Pereira delivering.
“I’m one of many few guys in all probability that might step within the fireplace with him, and he is aware of that,” Smith mentioned. “Is (Magomed) Ankalaev going to face within the pocket and commerce with Alex Pereira and actually play that recreation? Most likely not. You realize what I imply? Which might be the worst matchup within the division for, not simply him, and f*cking everyone else. That man’s sort of the boogeyman simply floating round on the market.
“However yeah, I prefer it … I like having a bit of little bit of stability within the division. I’m not going to lie: Jamahal is a buddy of mine, so it could have been good to see him get the title and get his title again if for no different cause different than simply to legitimize himself and put himself in a great place. However I like (a Pereira combat). I prefer it, and I like Pereira’s recreation. I like his recreation so much. It’s enjoyable.”
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