Sun Dec 08 04:12:28 UTC 2024: ## Grief-Stricken Anthony Smith Faces “Must-Win” UFC 310 Bout Amidst Coach’s Death
**Las Vegas, NV** – UFC fighter Anthony Smith enters his UFC 310 fight facing a “must-win” situation, but the pressure is secondary to the overwhelming grief he carries. The former light heavyweight title challenger is mourning the recent death of his long-time coach and close friend, Scott Morton.
In a candid interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Smith revealed the profound impact Morton’s passing has had, stating he’d rather skip the usual fight week fanfare and just get the fight over with. “To be honest, I don’t want to be here,” Smith said, expressing his emotional exhaustion. “Sometimes, this whole fight week thing is a big f***ing circus, it’s not real.”
Smith, who trained with Morton throughout his UFC career, including his title fight against Jon Jones, admitted to a troubled mindset when facing adversity, stating “Something has to be destroyed, whether it’s him or me. Something has to break.” The upcoming fight marks the first time Smith will compete without Morton in his corner. His emotional state underscores the significant personal challenge he faces alongside the professional demands of the upcoming bout.
First Piper 