Anthony Smith details 'interesting' training session with Jamahal Hill

On the Believe You Me podcast with Michael Bisping, Anthony Smith opened up about his experience training with title-contender Jamahal Hill. 'Lionheart' said that he had an 'interesting training session' with the No.7-ranked UFC light heavyweight.

Anthony Smith was supposed to face 'Sweet Dreams' at UFC Fight Night 221 in March, however, that fight may not happen since Hill is fighting for the vacant title in the first pay-per-view event of 2023, i.e. UFC 283.

Smith alluded to the fact that some gyms have many top dogs and there isn't much scope for hostility or sizing up new people who visit their gym. However, there are other gyms where there are only one or two high-level fighters, and they use visitors to gauge their levels.

Skip to 3:40 for Anthony Smith on training with Jamahal Hill:

'Lionheart' said:

"I got the vibe that it wasn't going to be like that [hostile] when I got there, but I couldn't have been more appreciative of the hospitality. They put me up in a nice hotel room, they gave me a car to drive, they bought all my meals. All the coaching staff [at Black Lion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu] came together and it was this really cool brainstorming session."

Anthony Smith then spoke about 'Sweet Dreams' and showered praise on the potential light heavyweight champion, saying:

"You know, I was really impressed with Jamahal. He's very technical on his feet, he's strong, he's an athlete, he's fast. The one thing that really stuck with me about Jamahal Hill is how fast he learns. You show him something, you drill through it a couple of times, and then an hour later I see him using it on someone else almost perfectly."

---

Anthony Smith to stand in as replacement for Glover Teixeira vs. Jamahal Hill at UFC 283

In an ironic twist of fate, Anthony Smith was sidelined for the title shot, and instead, it was given to Jamahal Hill. What's even more bewildering is the fact that 'Lionheart' was supposed to face 'Sweet Dreams' at UFC Fight Night 221 in March. However, as compensation, Smith will serve as the backup fighter incase either Hill or Teixeira pull out of the bout.

Hill recently invited Smith to train with him at Black Lion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which Smith graciously accepted. Both light heavyweight fighters even appeared in an interview with MMA Junkie.

Check out MMA Junkie's interview with Anthony Smith and Jamahal Hill:

There is a likelihood that both fighters may face each other. However, being the professionals that they are, they haven't let the potential bout give rise to any animosity or rivalry between them. Both fighters had nothing but good words to say about each other.

Jamahal Hill will challenge former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 for the vacant light heavyweight title.