Despite giving it their all in valiant efforts, a pair of MMA icons succumbed to defeats at UFC 303, leaving Dana White uncertain about their futures.
With the warriors having sacrificed blood, sweat and tears to the sport they hold so close to their hearts, the UFC CEO is determined to ensure the next step is a positive one, whether that’s inside the octagon or not.
Dana White is unsure what the future has in store for Cub Swanson and Anthony Smith
In their astounding UFC careers, Cub Swanson and Anthony Smith have put their bodies on the line in pursuit of greatness and giving fans memories that will last a lifetime.
Blessed with unrelenting wills to win, while the pair of titans never claimed world championship glory, their brutal fights have solidified their places in the history books.
Swanson, has been in the WEC/UFC for an astonishing 14 years. During his stint at the highest level of MMA, he’s put it all on the line, picking up a remarkable 14 WEC/UFC fight night bonuses, and produced tremendous performances to defeat the likes of Choi Doo-Hoo and Jeremy Stephens.
Meanwhile, Smith has proven his heart in abundance, once continuing to fight after losing his teeth in the middle of a bout. However, he was more than just a scrapper, regularly exhibiting his formidable skills in huge wins over Rashad Evans and Alexander Gustafsson.
WOW: Jake Paul’s manager says ‘The Problem Child’ will rematch Mike Perry in MMA on one condition
Alas, at UFC 303, both legends fell short in their respective contests, with Swanson dropping a close decision to Andre Fili, while the judges favored Roman Dolidze over the popular light heavyweight.
But while both men are in a difficult place, Dana White has assured them that they have a future in the sport, regardless of what capacity that’s in.
At the UFC 303 post-fight press conference, the businessman said, “I don’t know what Cub’s going to do. Obviously, Smith is already part of the team here and working here; we’ll see how this all plays out. All people that we truly respect and care about, so, we’ll see what happens.”
Regardless, Swanson seemed in good spirits, taking to Instagram to update his followers.
He wrote: “Thanks for letting a 40-year-old dad try to entertain you. I had a great camp and a fun fight. I do wish I would have done more and gotten the win, but that’s life. Thank you to my team.”
However, while the next steps for the two icons are unclear, UFC 303 marked the end for one former champion.
Andrei Arlovski has concluded his time in the UFC
Renowned for his explosive power and bulletproof mindset, Andrei Arlovski has cemented his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Alas, the former UFC champion’s time in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization has come to an end.
On Saturday evening, the powerhouse lost via split decision to Martin Buday, ending his 19-year run in the company, with a record-breaking stat of 1585 significant strikes in the heaviest weight division.
However, while one door closes, another has opened, with the Belarusian confirming via Instagram, that he intends to carry on competing in another promotion.
He wrote: “What makes me great aren’t the 34 Victories, what makes me great are the 20+ times before Saturday night, before #ufc303 – that I figured out how to become victorious.
“I am a European dream. I face all challenges — anywhere and anytime.
“So, UFC 303 wasn’t my night. I didn’t want to finish my journey in the UFC like that, but it is what it is. My chapter in the UFC is closed, But my book is not finished yet. We will see what’s around the corner. There are more stories to tell.”
Sheesh: ‘This is the ultimate sport’… Israel Adesanya reveals what it takes to become a UFC champion
Related Topics
