Anthony Smith announces retirement after final UFC fight

Anthony Smith, a 36-year-old UFC light-heavyweight fighter, has announced that he will retire after his final fight on April 26, 2025. This match will take place at UFC Kansas City, where he will face Zhang Mingyang. In an interview, Smith shared that balancing his family life with his fighting career has become increasingly difficult. He said, "It comes down to being a dad and a husband. I’m super involved, but it’d be nice to slow things down." Smith also spoke about the impact of training camps, which often keep him away from his loved ones. The recent death of a close friend, Scotty, significantly influenced his decision to retire. He remarked, "Once Scotty died, it made it really easy. Retiring feels like leaving something that doesn’t feel normal anymore." Despite facing tough challenges in his career, including a significant loss to Jon Jones in 2019, Smith has shown resilience and determination. As he prepares for his final fight, fans wonder if he will exit with a victory. Regardless of the outcome, Anthony Smith's legacy as a fierce competitor and devoted family man will be remembered. April 26, 2025, will mark the end of his well-regarded career in the UFC.