"I don't give a f**k about winning" - Anthony Smith gets emotional about late friend and MMA coach Scott Morton, hopes UFC 310 will help him grieve
UFC light heavyweight veteran Anthony Smith recently got emotional whilst speaking to the media as he discussed the sudden and tragic passing of his friend and coach, Scott Morton. A few weeks ago, 'Lionheart' was hit with the devastating news that Morton had passed away.
The pair had worked together for a majority of Smith's career and over that time had become more than just a student and a coach. Their friendship has been evident throughout the highs and lows of Smith's MMA career and now for the first time in over a decade, he will have to make the walk to the octagon at UFC 310 without Morton by his side.
Ahead of his bout against Dominick Reyes at UFC 310, the 36-year-old spoke to the press at on media day. Whilst many would have understood if Anthony Smith had wanted to avoid taking questions all together, the veteran instead took the opportunity to speak about his friend.
According to Smith, this weekend is no longer about winning for him. He is instead planning on getting into the octagon and using it as an opportunity to help him grieve, as well as tell the world about Scott Morton. He said:
"Saturday, I want to f*cking break something, and this is my outlet. I can’t do what I really want to do inside, anywhere else, with no consequences. That’s why I’m here...I don’t give a f*ck about winning. At all. Not even a little bit. I haven’t even f*cking thought about it. I want to f*cking break something, and here’s where I get to do that.”
Check out Smith's comments here, courtesy of MMA Junkie on X:
Dominick Reyes sympathizes with Anthony Smith ahead of UFC 310 bout
Dominick Reyes has revealed that he sympathizes with what Anthony Smith is going through ahead of their UFC 310 clash, but added that it won't stop him doing what he needs to do to walk away victorious.
Reyes is looking to make it two wins from two in 2024 when he faces Smith this Saturday, after finally putting an end to his losing streak with a win over Dustin Jacoby earlier this year. After narrowly losing to Jones in 2020, Reyes went on to lose his next three fights, suffering devasting knockout losses in all three bouts.
Now seemingly back to his best, Reyes spoke to the media about the fight and was asked for his thoughts on Anthony Smith's situation. He said:
"I'm expecting to win. I can sympathize a lot with what Anthony's going through right now but it's not my chair, not my problem. I've gotta handle my business for me and my family."
Catch Reyes' comments here (6:25):