Rashad Evans
Rashad Evans open to training former opponent Anthony Smith: “I still believe Anthony Smith is one of the toughest SOB in 205”
Back in 2018, Anthony Smith decided to move up from middleweight to the light heavyweight 205-pound division, and his first fight in the division was against former champion, Rashad Evans. Smith would make quick work of Evans at UFC 225, finishing him with a first-round TKO and would begin a run through the light heavyweight division that has been quite successful and had him on the verge of a championship.
Since making the move to the light heavyweight division, Anthony Smith has gone 7-4 in 11 fights at 205 pounds, most recently he had his three-fight winning streak snapped when he suffered a broken leg in his fight against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 277 in July. As he is currently going through his rehab and recovery period, Smith may have found a potential new coach in his former opponent, Evans.
Making an appearance on ‘MMA Today‘ on Sirius XM’s Fight Nation, Rashad Evans spoke to RJ Clifford and Anthony Smith, and was asked what he believes could help Smith when he comes back that could get him back into the title contention conversation. Now that he is no longer part of the Factory X team in Colorado, there is an opportunity for Smith to join any team or coach, and Evans believes the two could be a good fit together.
"I still believe that Anthony Smith is one of the toughest in 205."
Could we see Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) coaching Anthony Smith in the future? Rashad answers that question on 'MMA Today'. 👀@lionheartasmith @RJcliffordMMA pic.twitter.com/seaKlW6GiN
— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) October 4, 2022
“I think that it’ll be good for Anthony to go out to a few different gyms and just kind of feel out different kind of training partners, feel out where he’s at and get different looks. But I also feel like he needs a head coach at the realm somebody that can be like ‘Ok, making sure we’re progressing in the ways, in the areas that which we want to progress in, right?’ I feel like if Anthony ever wanted to be like ‘Hey Rashad, what you doing? I got a fight coming up.’ I’ll make some time for Anthony.”
When asked about what he sees in Anthony Smith at this stage in his career, Rashad Evans paid him high praise, saying he would give all his attention to “Lionheart” who he believes is still one of the very best in the division. He would also deliver an official invitation to Smith to come work with him in Florida.
“Listen, I would shut it down for Anthony Smith. If Anthony was like ‘I got this fight coming up, what could you give me?” I would give Anthony Smith some time, I’ll be there, I’ll make sure he’s looking good. Because guess what? I still believe that Anthony Smith is still one of the toughest son of bi**hes in 205 still. Come to South Florida man, come get some of this work out here, it’s some good stuff out here.”
The offer from Evans was well received and accepted by Smith who not only agreed to come to Florida and train but also noted that he’s spoken to the UFC about a potential return from injury and that he could be ready to fight in March.
“I’m in, I’m there. I really am man, as soon as I’m healed up. I’m ready to get back at it. We’ve been talking to the UFC just a little bit about potential dates, when they think I’ll be ready. I think I’ll be good to go in March, fight in March.”
It’s not often that two opponents form a coach and fighter tandem, but Rashad Evans has always been well respected as both a fighter and coach, and could provide the missing key to Anthony Smith as he continues to try and stay in the light heavyweight title picture.
