Anthony Smith Accepts Alex Pereira’s $50K Grappling Challenge
A Bold Acceptance
After securing a swift victory by submission in the first round against Vitor Petrino at UFC 301, Anthony “Lionheart” Smith didn’t just walk away with a win but also a tantalizing challenge from light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
During an interview on Connect Cast prior to the event, Pereira threw down the gauntlet for a grappling match, adding an enticing twist: he offered Smith $50,000 to engage in the bout, approximately SEK 541,000. Moreover, Smith was given the advantage of starting in a dominant position.
Smith’s Response at the Press Conference
Smith, fueled by victory and confident in his grappling skills, responded emphatically to Pereira’s challenge at the post-fight press conference. “Alex Pereira said he’d put up $50,000, and I could start on his back? Hooks in, five minutes to finish him, and he wants to bet $50K? I’ll take his $50K. I’ll take his money. If I start on his back, I will 100% choke him out,” declared Smith.
The Background of the Challenge
The challenge arose after Smith had been openly critical of Pereira’s grappling prowess. However, Smith clarified that his comments were from an analytical standpoint and not meant to be disrespectful. “I wouldn’t ever call someone’s black belt fraudulent,” Smith explained, adjusting his earlier statements.
He questioned the level of Pereira’s black belt in a BJJ context, suggesting it might not be of high caliber, especially in a gi setting, like in IBJJF competitions.
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Respecting the Black Belt
Despite his criticisms, Smith acknowledged the effort required to earn a black belt under Glover Teixeira, Pereira’s trainer, showing respect for Pereira’s achievements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “There are levels to black belts, you know? But I would respect his black belt just as I would anyone else’s,” Smith added, emphasizing the prestige and dedication involved in reaching such a level in the sport.
A Fighter’s Recovery
Smith entered the bout with Petrino as an underdog, coming off a rough patch with three losses in his last four fights. However, his performance not only marked a return to form but also set the stage for this high-stakes grappling challenge against Pereira.
Quotes:
Anthony Smith: “Alex Pereira said he’d put up $50,000, and I could start on his back? Hooks in, five minutes to finish him, and he wants to bet $50K? I’ll take his $50K. I’ll take his money. If I start on his back, I will 100% choke him out.”
Anthony Smith: “I wouldn’t ever call someone’s black belt fraudulent. I mean, I don’t know… I might not think Alex Pereira is probably a high-level black belt in a gi. I don’t think he’s crazy good, like in an IBJJF context, but I would never call someone’s black belt in jiu-jitsu fraudulent.”
Anthony Smith: “There are levels to black belts, you know? But I would respect his black belt just as I would anyone else’s.”
This setup for a grappling match adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing dynamics in the light heavyweight division, with both fighters ready to prove their prowess not just in the octagon, but on the grappling mat as well.
