In the world of mixed martial arts, perseverance often defines a man’s journey. Such is the case with Anthony Smith, whose path to UFC prominence wasn’t paved with early fame or immediate success, but rather with concrete—literally.
Smith balanced his MMA aspirations with practical realities, working full-time as a concrete finisher while pursuing his UFC dreams. For years, he managed a grueling schedule: 40-hour work weeks pouring concrete for residential properties, followed by intense training sessions both mornings and evenings.
Previously Anthony Smith has announced plans to start a regional slap league, aiming to position it as a developmental platform for the UFC’s Power Slap series. He’s hoping to partner with the UFC to stream it on Fight Pass, envisioning himself as both promoter and owner, tapping into eccentric local talent from Nebraska. While some in the MMA community praised the idea as forward-thinking and potentially lucrative, others criticized it as a poor business move, questioning both the legitimacy and safety of slap as a sport. Despite mixed reactions, Smith remains enthusiastic and appears committed to making this unconventional venture a reality.
Many UFC fans believe Anthony Smith ingratiated himself to UFC brass by not taking the DQ win against Jon Jones – after Jon Jones delivered an illegal knee. As a reminder, had he taken it he would’ve gotten the title and PPV points for the inevitable rematch which would definitely be more than enough so that he doesn’t have to deal with concrete.
“I always believed this could be a real career,” Smith shared. However, with family responsibilities, he couldn’t simply abandon stable employment for the uncertain paydays of MMA. This experience shaped his advice to up-and-coming stars: maintain alternative income sources to avoid MMA purely for financial necessity.
After being released from the UFC in 2013, Smith’s concrete work became essential. Fortunately, his employers accommodated his training schedule, but the daily grind remained challenging. Most days found him laying concrete for upscale homes that seemed financially out of reach for someone in his position.
The irony of Smith’s journey reveals itself in a remarkable twist of fate. While working in an affluent West Omaha neighborhood, Smith would observe residents at home midday and wonder about their livelihoods. “What do these people do for a living where they can just be home all the time in the middle of the day?” he recalled thinking, believing such prosperity would forever remain beyond his grasp.
Years later, after achieving success in the UFC, Smith found himself house-hunting in that very same neighborhood. During a viewing, he experienced a profound moment of realization when he recognized a nearby property: “I did that driveway,” he told his realtor, suddenly connecting his past labor with his present success.
Smith’s journey resonates with fans who appreciate his authenticity and work ethic. His retirement from professional fighting marks the end of a career characterized by determination and grit. The concrete finisher who once couldn’t imagine affording the homes he worked on eventually became the homeowner in that same exclusive neighborhood—a powerful testament to his remarkable journey from tradesman to UFC contender.
