Why Is Anthony Smith Fighting A Middleweight?

Why is light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith fighting a middleweight at UFC 303?

That’s a question “Lionheart” wants answered after Roman Dolidze — currently ranked No. 10 at 185 pounds — had to fill in for the injured Carlos Ulberg on the pay-per-view (PPV) main card this Sat. night (June 29, 2024) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Be prepared for a bunch of excuses.

“I think him moving up says a lot about my division,” Smith told reporters at the UFC 303 media day (transcribed by MMA Junkie). “So, if you guys want to do your jobs, go ask every available light heavyweight why there’s a middleweight fighting this fight. They’re going to make up a bunch of sh*t, but I think you guys can read between the lines.”

Fans might be too “stupid” to read, according to Smith.

“Every single one of them said no,” Smith continued. “So, I’m the veteran, I’m the gatekeeper, like whatever those guys say. ‘Well, why is Anthony getting paid so much and why does he get this opportunity?’ Because I’m willing to do this sh*t that you guys won’t do. Me fighting a middleweight on Saturday proves that to everybody. I think all those guys just got exposed.”

Let’s just hope “Lionheart” can make weight on short notice.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 303 fight card right RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the UFC 303 PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 303: “Pereira vs. Prochazka 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 303 fight card and PPV lineup click here.