Anthony Smith thinks he might be on Alex Pereira’s radar in the event that they’re each victorious at UFC 303.
Within the June 29 headliner at T-Cell Enviornment, UFC gentle heavyweight champion Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) rematches Jiri Prochazka. In the meantime, Smith (38-19 MMA, 13-9 UFC) meets rising contender Carlos Ulberg.
With Smith and Pereira having beforehand gone back-and-forth, Michael Bisping pitched the thought of them probably combating one another after UFC 303. “Lionheart” thinks he may get that battle if he will get previous Ulberg.
“I’m probably not desirous about that. I’m simply anxious about Carlos Ulberg,” Smith stated on the “Consider You Me” podcast with Michael Bisping. “He’s a tall process. He’s actually good at what he does. He’s younger, he’s hungry, he’s bought a giant alternative in entrance of him.
“And I’ve bought to do not forget that when these guys battle me, I’m their world title battle, they usually’re attempting to make a reputation off of me and I’ve bought to guarantee that doesn’t occur. I feel he’s bought an unbelievable talent set on his ft. … If I minimize a promo on Alex Pereira proper afterwards, it traces up.”
Smith praised Pereira for saving the UFC 303 fundamental occasion after Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler was scrapped. However with Pereira having already overwhelmed Prochazka earlier than, Smith thinks the opponent performed a component within the him taking the quick discover supply.
“What he’s doing is loopy,” Smith stated. “I simply can’t imagine that he’s out on this tour in Australia, hanging out, letting his toes heal up, and he’s like, ‘Two weeks? Yeah. Let’s do it.’ OK, I like that. I feel it was most likely very matchup-specific.
“He wouldn’t most likely have taken this battle with Magomed (Ankalaev) or – and I’m not attempting to hype myself, however most likely not with me simply because there’s a distinct talent set. He’s already educated for Jiri one time earlier than, so he’s accustomed to him. There’s not the stress and shock and awe of the unknown, so he already is aware of what he’s getting himself into.”
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