Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Anthony Smith (red gloves) prepares to fight Zhang Mingyang (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

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Anthony Smith Retirement – Lionheart Gets Emotional As UFC Shares Tribute Video With Jelly Roll’s ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’

Get to know all about Anthony “Lionheart” Smith’s retirement and tribute video from Jerry Roll

Anthony “Lionheart” Smith walked inside the Octagon one last time for his last fight last night. He faced Zhang “Mountain Tiger Mingyang at UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs Prates.

The two of them fought it out for one round trading blows and kicks against each other. Unfortunately, it all proved to be too much for “Lionheart” and he had to suffer a defeat in his last fight. This was followed by him announcing his retirement from MMA. He was given a tribute video by Jerry Roll for his years with the company. So how did it all come about?

What Happened in the Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang Fight?

Anthony Smith and Zhang Mingyang fought it out in the Light Heavyweight division bout at UFC Fight Night. However, Mingyang proved to be the dominant one right from the beginning starting with his kicks. Smith also countered back with his right hand. Unfortunately, he received some close quarter hard shots from his opponent which left him bleeding and his lead leg unstable.

The second half of the first round again found Zhang Mingyang to be the dominant one. His elbows smashed into his opponent, which eventually caused the referee to interfere and end the match. And just like that, the fight was over for Anthony “Lionheart” Smith. Zhang Mingyang, on the other hand, continued his UFC undefeated streak inside the Octagon with 4-0.

Anthony Smith announced that he is retiring from his career as a MMA fighter during the post-match interview as per UFC on Twitter. He appreciated his fans for supporting him throughout his MMA career in the UFC.

Forever a fighter with the heart of a lion 🦁

Thank you for everything, Anthony Smith 👏 pic.twitter.com/jZ8LAiHO0M
— UFC (@ufc) April 27, 2025

UFC Shares Jelly Roll-Starred Tribute Video for Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith

Anthony Smith received an emotional tribute video from the UFC courtesy of Jelly Roll, siner and rapper. The video highlighted his numerous achievements over the years as a MMA fighter in the UFC. This included his fight against Jon Jones for the title in 2019 and numerous other fights. Former MMA fighter Chael Sonnen and color commentator Laura Sanko also commented on his great career in the UFC.

Following the end of the video, Anthony Smith thanked Kansas City and its fans one last time before retiring his MMA gloves inside the Octagon. Notably, his last win was against Vitor Petrino on May 4, 2024. “Lionheart” finally rides off into the sunset with a final MMA record of 38-22-0 as per his official UFC Records page.

Anthony Smith

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Arka Mukherjee

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I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.