‘I Was So Mad’

Not Nebraska!

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith lost his retirement fight to Chinese knockout artist Zhang Mingyang, getting battered before the referee stopped the bout last night (Sat., April 26, 2025) at UFC Kansas City from inside T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri (watch highlights).

Moments after the referee halted the bout, with Smith bloodied on the canvas, he rose to his knees and flipped off someone in the crowd, sparking confusion among onlookers.

Smith clarified the incident on the UFC Kansas City post-fight show.

“There was a guy in a Nebraska shirt, and he was booing me, flipping me off, and talking trash before the fight,” Smith said. “I was really focused on what I had to do. Then after the fight, his friend was cheering, but he was still flipping me off and saying some pretty disrespectful things. I was so mad. He was wearing a Nebraska shirt.

“We’re supposed to be family here. It’s not a very big community of people,” Smith added. “I just couldn’t believe that. I pour my heart and soul into this game, and I don’t care if you think I suck or that I’m not very good. If you’re sitting in the crowd, you’re definitely not doing what I’m doing, especially wearing a Nebraska shirt. You can’t talk trash wearing a Nebraska shirt. Come on now. That’s all that was.”

“Lionheart” won’t have to worry about fans talking trash in the crowd anymore, as he retired from the sport following his loss.

For more UFC Kansas City results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.