Anthony Smith Suffers Gruesome Cut, Stopped by Zhang Mingyang in Retirement Fight Recap

Anthony Smith’s retirement fight ended abruptly after he suffered a serious cut and was stopped by Zhang Mingyang. The incident took place at UFC Kansas City, halting Smith's plans for a memorable farewell inside the Octagon.

Fans watched as the match shifted momentum following the injury, with Zhang Mingyang capitalizing to secure the stoppage. The outcome was not what Smith or his supporters hoped for, adding a dramatic turn to his final MMA appearance.

Smith’s storied career now closes on an unexpected note, leaving many to reflect on the nature of combat sports and the uncertainties fighters face every time they compete. For details on the fight and its aftermath, see the full report.

Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang: Main Event Breakdown

Anthony Smith entered his retirement fight with high stakes and expectations, facing Zhang Mingyang in a matchup defined by intense action and unexpected medical drama. The bout was stopped after Smith suffered a severe cut, marking a sudden and definitive end to the main event.

Gruesome Cut and Medical Details

Midway through the second round, Smith sustained a deep laceration above his right eyebrow following a clean right hook from Zhang. Blood flowed heavily from the wound, impairing Smith’s vision and prompting immediate medical concern.

Ringside physicians assessed the injury and determined that the cut was both wide and deep, with exposed tissue visible. The severity of the bleeding and the risk to Smith’s eye were cited as primary reasons to halt the contest.

Medical staff applied compression and quickly escorted Smith for further evaluation. No bone fractures were reported, but the need for multiple stitches was confirmed post-fight. The cut’s location and depth effectively ruled out a safe continuation.

Fight Highlights and Turning Points

The opening round saw Smith pressing forward, utilizing jabs and leg kicks to maintain distance. Zhang responded with counterpunches, but Smith held a slight edge in both pace and accuracy during the early minutes.

Momentum shifted in the second round when Zhang landed a precise right hand, opening up the cut that changed the course of the fight. Smith’s attempts to recover were hampered by blood affecting his vision and composure.

Key moments included Zhang capitalizing on Smith’s compromised defense, increasing his output while targeting the injured area. The fight’s tempo shifted in favor of Zhang, setting up the conditions for the official stoppage.

Official Stoppage and Immediate Aftermath

The referee called time at 2:36 of round two, signaling for the doctor’s examination. After a brief review, the fight was officially stopped due to the severity of Smith’s cut, awarding Zhang Mingyang a TKO victory.

Smith responded to the stoppage with visible frustration, briefly protesting the decision before complying with medical orders. Zhang acknowledged Smith’s career and embraced him after the result was announced.

Post-fight, Smith was assisted out of the octagon and received immediate medical attention. Multiple sources confirmed that Smith would need several weeks of recovery, ending his storied MMA career with an unexpected and abrupt finish.

Impact of Anthony Smith's Retirement Fight

Anthony Smith’s final bout ended with a dramatic stoppage due to a severe cut, prompting immediate discussions about his career and his opponent. Smith’s exit from MMA, combined with Zhang Mingyang’s performance, has influenced ongoing conversations within the sport.

Legacy in MMA

Anthony Smith competed against some of the top fighters in the light heavyweight division over his career. He notched notable wins and participated in high-stakes main events, earning respect both for his skill and willingness to face tough challenges.

Throughout his run, Smith’s resilience stood out. Injuries and setbacks did not stop him from returning to the Octagon, and he regularly took on rising contenders as well as former champions. His longevity resulted in a lengthy UFC tenure.

Table: Anthony Smith UFC Stats (select highlights)

Category	Value
UFC Fights	20+
FOTN Awards	4
Subs Wins	7

Smith’s retirement fight may not have ended as he hoped, but his willingness to fight through adversity has cemented his status as one of the division’s most respected veterans.

Reactions From Fighters and Fans

News of Smith’s stoppage led to an outpouring of support and commentary online. Fighters within the UFC and from other organizations publicly shared their respect for Smith, emphasizing his heart and contributions.

Fans on social media credited Smith’s courage, especially for stepping into a challenging matchup in his final appearance. Some expressed disappointment at the bout’s abrupt ending due to the gruesome cut, but most agreed that his legacy remains significant.

Notable Reaction Quotes:

• “Always a warrior, no matter the result.”

• “Smith gave everything to this sport.”

The general tone from both fighters and fans has been one of deep appreciation.

Implications for Zhang Mingyang’s Future

Zhang Mingyang’s win over Smith has quickly raised his profile in the light heavyweight division. Many analysts point to his composure and ability to capitalize during the fight as a sign of his development.

This victory positions Zhang as a possible surging contender. It is expected he will receive opportunities against ranked opponents, especially after stopping a respected veteran in a high-visibility fight.

• Potential next steps for Zhang Mingyang:

  • Matchup with a top-15 contender

  • Increased media attention

  • Faster track to division relevance

How Zhang builds on this momentum could shape his standing among the elite. The outcome of the retirement bout is likely to be a defining moment early in Zhang’s UFC run.