Anthony Smith is growing weary of emerging contenders attempting to use him as a means to climb the ladder.
Vitor Petrino (11-0 MMA) threw down the gauntlet at Smith (37-19 MMA) after securing a victory over Tyson Pedro less than a fortnight ago at UFC Fight Night 238. His request has been granted, and he will square off against the former title challenger at UFC 301 on May 4 in Rio.
Smith finds himself irked by Petrino’s callout. Having spent years facing former champions and the cream of the division, “Lionheart” has recently been facing opponents lower down the rankings.