Anthony Smith’s upcoming bare-knuckle MMA debut against Chase Sherman is generating significant buzz. Parker Porter, who has a past UFC victory over Sherman, offered a bold prediction for the highly anticipated bout.
Porter believes Smith, a highly skilled and well-rounded fighter, has a strong advantage in this new challenge. Smith is transitioning to the heavyweight division and competing without gloves, a format that changes the dynamics of fighting. Porter acknowledges Sherman’s capabilities but ultimately favors Smith.
«I think that’s going to be a great matchup,» Porter stated. «I’m interested to see [it]… That’s going to be really interesting to see because obviously I think Anthony Smith is an incredible fighter, super talented, very well-rounded. So to see him step up to the heavyweight division and see how he handles that difference in size and weight. He is by no means a small guy to begin with.»
Porter further elaborated on Smith’s resilience and ability to adapt to the bare-knuckle style. «I think more because like when you get hit with a bare knuckle versus a gloved hand, that’s a different feeling. It’s a different sensation but with somebody like Anthony who has the level of experience that he has, he’s not just going to all of a sudden crumble up and start to turn tail. Just because he got tagged a little bit different or something hurt a little bit more than what he’s experienced in the past versus a glove.»
The former UFC fighter highlighted Smith’s jiu-jitsu prowess as a key factor. «With [Anthony Smith] having such a strong jiu-jitsu game, taking the gloves off is a huge advantage for him. Now he can grip everything better. He can sneak his hands into tighter situations for different kinds of submissions such as rear naked [chokes] and whatnot. I think yeah, and I still think that this is going to be heavily in Anthony’s advantage.»
Porter also expressed his enthusiasm for the return of Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bare Knuckle MMA promotion, especially with a high-profile matchup like Smith vs. Sherman headlining the event.
Isidro Montero