McGregor's friend suggests Anthony Smith change nickname after failed retirement fight

Provocateur Dillon Danis is friends with Conor McGregor. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In addition to the exciting five-round battle between Ian Machado Garry e Carlos Prates, which ended with the defeat of the Fighting Nerds member by unanimous decision of the judges, the UFC Kansas City last Saturday (26) also brought fans the last dance of Anthony Smith in the organization. The veteran light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) made his retirement fight against the rising star Zhang Mingyang and was massacred by the Chinese. 'Lionhearth' suffered deep injuries caused by his opponent's elbows and suffered a technical knockout in the first round.

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The frustration from his last UFC fight only grew after Smith disagreed with fans present at the T-Mobile Center. The American got angry and advanced to seek satisfaction, but was restrained by Mingyang who tried to console him while still in the octagon. Although the retirement fight did not go as planned, 'Lionhearth' received a beautiful tribute on the big screen at the T-Mobile Center.

However, there was someone who didn't ease up on the veteran. The ever-controversial Dillon Danis, who is friends with Conor McGregor, made a harsh provocation to the legacy left by Smith. Making a pun with the words 'puddle' and the famous poodle dog breed, the fighter made a publication on his official account on 'X'.

Anthony Smith was furious with fans after defeat in UFC Kansas City. Photo: Reproduction X UFC

PUBLICITY:

“Retired in a pool of his own blood, giving up as he does in every fight. I officially revoke the Lionheart nickname for Anthony Smith. He literally has the heart of a poodle,” Danis wrote. (see below)

Retired in a puddle of his own blood giving up like he does every fight I officially revoke the Lionheart nickname for Anthony Smith he literally has the heart of a poodle.

- Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) April 27, 2025

Professional since 2008, Anthony Smith began his career competing on the US national circuit. After experiencing a serious bitter streak of four consecutive defeats between 2009 and 2010, the Lionheart returned to the winning column and made his Strikeforce debut in 2011. Two years later, he stepped into the world's most famous octagon for the first time, having as his opponent the Brazilian Antônio Braga Neto.

One of the highlights of Smith's career was when he faced Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title. Despite being dominated, Smith had a chance to become champion after being hit with an illegal knee by 'Bones'. However, he returned to the fight and was defeated by unanimous decision.