Anthony Smith Announces Retirement After UFC Kansas City
Anthony Smith, affectionately known as “Lionheart,” officially announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts following his loss to Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The co-main event, held at the T-Mobile Center in Missouri, marked the end of Smith’s storied 17-year career in MMA.
Smith entered the Octagon with hopes of a triumphant farewell, but Zhang Mingyang, a rising star in the light heavyweight division, had other plans. The fight began with Zhang landing heavy strikes, including a sharp elbow that opened a deep cut on Smith’s forehead. Blood poured into Smith’s eyes as Zhang continued to press forward, mixing standing elbows with ground-and-pound strikes. At 4:03 of the first round, referee Jason Herzog stepped in to stop the fight, awarding Zhang a TKO victory.
Despite the loss, Smith took to the microphone to express his gratitude to the UFC and its fans. Reflecting on his journey, Smith shared how the sport transformed his life, allowing him to provide for his family and achieve dreams he once thought impossible. He left his gloves in the center of the Octagon, symbolizing the end of his fighting career.
Smith’s retirement comes after a remarkable tenure in MMA, which included 60 professional fights, 38 wins, and 22 losses. He debuted in the UFC in 2013 and later returned in 2016, making a name for himself in the light heavyweight division. Notable victories over former champions Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Rashad Evans, and Alexander Gustafsson highlighted his career, along with a title shot against Jon Jones in 2019.
Zhang Mingyang, who improved his record to 19-6 with the victory, embraced the boos from the crowd and called out former champion Jiri Prochazka during his post-fight interview. Zhang’s performance solidified his status as a rising contender in the division, while Smith’s retirement marked the end of an era.
Sources: MMA Junkie, Yahoo Sports, BJPenn
