T.J. Dillashaw: Anthony Smith a quitter, 'not good enough' to become UFC champion
T.J. Dillashaw roasted Anthony Smith after UFC 303.
Smith (38-20 MMA, 13-10 UFC) came to the realization that his championship aspirations are unlikely after he suffered a unanimous decision loss to short-notice replacement Roman Dolidze last month at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
After watching his fight, Dillashaw mocked Smith’s nickname “Lionheart” on the “JAXXON PODCAST.”
“No, never,” Dillashaw said of Smith becoming champion. “Dude, he’s not good enough. OK, so he gives up. Did he give himself that name or what? He gives up in there.”
When watching Smith vs. Dolidze play out, Dillashaw, the former two-time UFC bantamweight champion, said he didn’t see the fight in Smith.
“The second round (vs. Dolidze), he doesn’t even try to f*cking stand up,” Dillashaw said. “Roman’s on his back; he doesn’t even try to stand up. I don’t give a sh*t. I’m fighting until I die, dog. I’m fighting with one arm, I’m doing whatever I can.”
Smith reached a light heavyweight title shot in 2019 when he faced none other than Jon Jones at UFC 235. Smith opted not to look for an easy win when he was struck with an illegal knee by Jones and decided to continue fighting. He lost the bout by unanimous decision.
After losing to Jones, Smith alternated wins and losses, with his opposition ranging from former champions to top contenders to rising prospects.