Losing Jamahal Hill bout leaves Anthony Smith with “nobody”

• UFC 282 was ruled a split draw between Jan Blachowicz and Ankalaev.
• UFC 283 will now feature Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill.
• Smith wants to be on the UFC 286 card in London.

Without ever competing, Anthony Smith may have been the fighter who suffered the most losses at UFC 282.

This past Saturday’s fight for the vacant light heavyweight title between Jan Blachowicz (29-9-1 MMA, 12-6-1 UFC) and Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA, 9-1-1 UFC) was ruled a split draw, which frustrated Dana White, who ultimately chose to go on.

White referred to their fight as “terrible” and announced that the promotion has booked a new light heavyweight champion for UFC 283, which will take place on January 21 and feature a bout between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC). Hill was originally scheduled to face Smith (36-17 MMA, 13-9 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 221, which was to take place on March 11. White called their fight “terrible” and

Smith, who was manning the ESPN desk at UFC 282, responded, “Yeah, that’s an issue.” “You’re right, that’s a significant challenge for me. Oh, you’re right, I’m not sure.”

He went on to say, “That very much leaves me with nobody, which is the problem.” Ankalaev has just fought, (Aleksandar) Rakic is hurt, Blachowicz has just battled, and Jamahal Hill is the last one left. Glover Teixeira was available at one point, but he is not available at this time.

So where does that leave Smith? The former title challenger isn’t sure whom he’ll be matched up with instead, but he wants on the UFC 286 card March 18 in London.

“We’ll figure it out,” Smith said. “I don’t know, the London card is coming up. I like London this time of year. I feel like someone owes me a favor right now, so I don’t know. We’ll figure it out.”

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