Anthony "Lionheart" Smith: UFC Veteran Joins Gamebred BKMMA
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony Smith |
| Nickname | Lionheart |
| Born | July 26, 1988 |
| Hometown | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight |
| MMA Record | 37-20 |
| Organization | Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA |
| Notable Achievement | UFC LHW title challenger, fought Jon Jones |
Overview
Anthony "Lionheart" Smith earned his nickname through a career defined by courage, toughness, and a willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, at any time. A veteran of over 50 professional MMA fights across nearly two decades, Smith challenged Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and spent years as a top-ten contender in one of the sport's deepest divisions. His decision to join Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA brought one of the most experienced and respected fighters in MMA to the bare knuckle MMA format.
Smith's transition to Gamebred makes sense on multiple levels. His career in traditional MMA was built on striking, submission skills, and an iron will -- all qualities that translate to the bareknuckle MMA format, where gloves are removed but the full MMA ruleset remains intact. Fighting without gloves for a promotion founded by Jorge Masvidal represents a natural evolution for a fighter who has never been afraid of a challenge.
Career
UFC Light Heavyweight Career
Smith's UFC career was marked by a remarkable run at light heavyweight that included a five-fight winning streak leading to a title shot against Jon Jones at UFC 235 in March 2019. Though he lost a lopsided decision to Jones, the fact that he survived five rounds against arguably the greatest fighter in MMA history spoke to his toughness and durability.
After the Jones fight, Smith remained a fixture in the top ten at 205 pounds, earning victories over Alexander Gustafsson, Devin Clark, and Ryan Spann. His knockout of Gustafsson was a career highlight, finishing the former two-time title challenger in the fourth round. Smith's willingness to fight frequently and accept short-notice bouts made him one of the most active and respected competitors in the division.
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA
Smith's signing with Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA brought a significant name to the promotion. In Gamebred's format -- which combines bare knuckle striking with the full MMA ruleset including takedowns, submissions, and ground-and-pound -- Smith's well-rounded skill set is more applicable than it would be in pure bare knuckle boxing. His ability to fight on the feet and on the ground gives him multiple paths to victory that pure strikers do not possess.
Fighting Style
Smith is a well-rounded MMA fighter with a preference for striking and a dangerous submission game. His stand-up is built on a long, rangey frame that allows him to fight at distance with jabs and crosses while also being effective in the clinch with elbows and knees. His submission skills -- particularly his guillotine choke and rear-naked choke -- have produced numerous finishes throughout his career.
In the bareknuckle MMA context, Smith's striking takes on a different dimension. Without gloves to cushion impact, his punches and elbows become even more dangerous, while his submission game remains fully intact. The full MMA ruleset means he can mix striking with takedowns and ground control, creating a more complete fighting experience than pure bare knuckle boxing allows.
Legacy
Anthony Smith's legacy is that of a fighter who maximized his talent through sheer will and an unbreakable competitive spirit. His nickname "Lionheart" was not marketing -- it was an accurate description of a man who has faced the best fighters in the world for nearly two decades and never once been accused of lacking courage. His UFC career alone places him among the most accomplished light heavyweights in MMA history.
His move to Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA continues a career built on challenging himself in new environments. Fighting for a promotion founded by Jorge Masvidal -- a man whose own career began in backyard fights -- brings Smith's journey full circle in a way that honors the raw, unfiltered origins of combat sports.
Watch
Watch Anthony Smith at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA on YouTube
Related Fighters
- Jorge Masvidal -- Gamebred BKMMA founder
- Chase Sherman -- fellow UFC veteran in Gamebred
- Todd Duffee -- Gamebred competitor
