The Lionheart’s Second Act: Why Anthony Smith’s Bareknuckle Comeback Matters
There’s something deeply compelling about a fighter who steps away from the spotlight, only to return on their own terms. Anthony Smith, the 37-year-old MMA veteran, is doing just that—and it’s not just about the fights. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Smith’s journey reflects a broader shift in combat sports: the rise of alternative promotions and the redefinition of what it means to compete at an elite level.
From Retirement to Reinvention
When Smith retired from the UFC in 2025, it felt like the end of an era. But his recent return to the ring—or rather, the bareknuckle arena—tells a different story. Personally, I think this isn’t just a comeback; it’s a reinvention. Smith’s decision to join Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA tournament isn’t about chasing titles or legacy. It’s about rediscovering joy in competition.
What many people don’t realize is how stifling the UFC’s pressure cooker environment can be. Smith’s comments about feeling “no pressure” in his bareknuckle debut are telling. In the UFC, fighters are often reduced to their win-loss records, their marketability, or their ability to sell pay-per-views. But in Masvidal’s promotion, Smith seems to have found a space where he can simply enjoy fighting again. This raises a deeper question: Why do so many athletes feel the need to escape the very systems that made them famous?
The Bareknuckle Boom
Bareknuckle MMA is still a niche sport, but its growth is undeniable. Masvidal’s promotion, in particular, has carved out a unique space by offering fighters like Smith a platform that prioritizes fun over fanfare. From my perspective, this is a smart move. In an era where combat sports are increasingly commodified, promotions that focus on the purity of competition—rather than the spectacle—are bound to attract both fighters and fans craving authenticity.
Smith’s first-round submission of Chase Sherman wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. It showed that even after years of wear and tear, he still has the skills and the heart to compete. But what’s more interesting is his mindset. He’s not here to prove he’s the best; he’s here to prove that fighting can still be fun. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a radical idea in a sport where ego and ambition often overshadow everything else.
The Thiago Santos Factor
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential matchup between Smith and Thiago Santos in the tournament finals. Their 2018 UFC bout ended in a brutal TKO for Smith, but a rematch in the bareknuckle arena would be a completely different animal. Business-wise, it’s a no-brainer for Masvidal’s promotion. But personally, I’m more intrigued by Smith’s attitude toward it. He’s not chasing revenge; he’s just open to whatever comes next.
This nonchalance is refreshing. In a sport where narratives are often forced, Smith’s willingness to let things unfold organically feels genuine. It also highlights a broader trend: fighters are increasingly prioritizing their own satisfaction over promotional agendas. What this really suggests is that the power dynamics in combat sports are shifting—and athletes like Smith are leading the charge.
What’s Next for the Lionheart?
Smith’s decision to continue in the tournament, one fight at a time, is both pragmatic and poetic. At 37, he’s not delusional about his physical limits, but he’s also not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. This approach feels like a metaphor for life itself: take things as they come, enjoy the ride, and don’t get too caught up in the destination.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Smith’s post-UFC career mirrors the journeys of other veterans like Chuck Liddell or Anderson Silva. These fighters didn’t retire quietly; they sought new challenges that allowed them to redefine their legacies on their own terms. Smith’s bareknuckle run is part of this larger narrative—one that challenges the notion that a fighter’s worth is tied to their UFC record.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Smith’s bareknuckle comeback isn’t just a story about fighting; it’s a story about freedom. Freedom from expectations, freedom from pressure, and freedom to simply enjoy the sport he loves. In my opinion, this is what combat sports should be about at their core.
As Smith continues his run in the Gamebred tournament, I’ll be watching not just for the fights, but for what they represent. Because in a world where athletes are often reduced to commodities, Smith’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to win is to stop caring about winning at all.
