Former UFC title challenger named as alternate for upcoming title clash between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill
Anthony Smith will serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 283 title clash between Jamahal Hill and Glover Teixeira. During a recent UFC Live session on ESPN MMA, the former light heavyweight title challenger revealed the news.
This means that 'Lionheart' will step in to fill the spot if either Hill or Teixeira pulls out of the light heavyweight title fight. Speaking about his plausible but unlikely title shot, Smith said:
"I am [going to be the back up]. I'm going to fly to Brazil. I'm going to weigh in at 205 pounds. I don't suspect these guys are going to have any problems, they are both professionals, but if something does happen, I'll be there to step in."
Interestingly enough, Smith is also helping his potential opponent Jamahal Hill prepare for his January 21 showdown against the former champion. The 34-year-old elaborated on the bizarre arrangement, saying that he would be invaluable in helping Hill tackle Teixeira's superior ground game:
"He called me this Sunday as soon as the fight was over. His manager asked me this Saturday, would I be willing to, and then I didn't actually think Jamahal was going to ask then he did... Where Glover has the biggest advantage here it's going to be on the ground... I have a unique experience with Glover, I've spent five rounds with him. I'm a high-level black belt in jiu-jitsu, I think I do bring a lot of things to the table that can help Jamahal at least in that facet of the game."
Watch the full interview below:
Anthony Smith explains why he decided to help Jamahal Hill for his upcoming title fight
During the same interview, Anthony Smith said that he has always been very close with Jamahal Hill and is similar to the 31-year-old in many ways.
Smith said that he and 'Sweet Dreams' had a very deep conversation recently and later when Hill asked 'Lionheart' for his help with the Glover Teixeira fight, he decided to assist the youngster without any reservations:
"Me and Jamahal Hill has always been very friendly. We're kind of cut from the same cloth a little bit. He is just trying to change his family's life you know... In MSG we had a couple drinks, we had a fantastic conversation. We talked about kids and life and our paths... So when he asked initially [for help with the title fight] I was like yeah, whatever I can do to help him reach those goals that we talked about in MSG."
'Lionheart' is one of the most decorated light heavyweights in the UFC. He holds wins against promotional legends such as Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua and Rashad Evans.
What a way to end the early prelims! 😱
Anthony Smith gets the job done in the first round and it's now five consecutive defeats for the former champ Rashad Evans 😕 https://t.co/04Fdr91023