Anthony Smith remains unbothered by the decision referee Jason Herzog made at UFC Fight Night 171.
The light heavyweight headlined the event against Glover Teixeira and the 31-year-old was absolutely overpowered and dominated by Teixeira in the third and fourth round, and many have come out to criticize both Smith’s corner and referee Jason Herzog for not putting a stop to the fight sooner.
"I didn't think his corner was going to let him come out, but that's between them and their corner. And the ref could've stopped that in the fourth, too," White said, according to MMA Junkie. "Us sitting on the outside it was a little tough to watch."
Smith has never blamed the referee or corner for the stoppage as the former light heavyweight title contender has stated that the fans didn’t need to worry about him or the decision that was made:
However, the heat had gotten so bad for both sides that Herzog actually apologized for not making a better decision in regards to the main event of UFC Fight Night 171:
Smith has spoken out on the situation and labeled the referee a “coward” for a caving in and apologizing. The UFC fighter remains adamant that the referee made a good call and points out the proper procedure that Jason Herzog followed:
Smith lost multiple teeth during the bout and suffered facial fractures such as a broken orbital bone. Currently, he's under a mandatory 60-day suspension by the Florida State Boxing Commission.