When Anthony Smith responded to Alex Pereira's bold $50,000 BJJ challenge with ice-cold warning: "I'll take his money"

Anthony Smith once delivered a sharp response to a lucrative challenge issued by Alex Pereira. Over the past year, whether at the analyst desk or on his podcast, 'Lionheart' consistently criticized the former two-division UFC champion for relying too heavily on his kickboxing-based style while lacking a well-rounded grappling game.

Smith’s remarks ignited a heated exchange on social media between the two fighters, eventually prompting Pereira to throw down a high-stakes challenge. During his appearance on the Connect Cast in May 2024, 'Poatan' offered Smith a $50,000 grappling match and further raised the stakes by allowing the former light heavyweight title challenger to start with a positional advantage.

Check out Alex Pereira's comments below:

Following his submission victory over Vitor Petrino at UFC 301, Smith addressed the media during the post-fight press conference, where he confidently accepted Pereira’s challenge:

"Alex Pereira said he would put up [$50,000], but I could start on his back? I could start on his back, hooks in, and I got five minutes to finish him, and he wants to put $50K up for it? I’ll take his $50K. I’ll take his money. If I start on his back, I’ll choke the sh*t out of him, 100 percent."

Check out Anthony Smith's comments below (7:36):

Ahead of UFC 307 in October 2024, Pereira and Smith put their differences to rest during an ESPN interview. The two fighters exchanged mutual words of respect and demonstrated a sense of camaraderie.

'Lionheart' had previously clarified that his remarks were never intended as disrespect, but rather as professional analysis of Pereira’s fighting style.

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When Anthony Smith expressed he was all in for a showdown with Alex Pereira

During an interview with Submission Radio in April 2024, Anthony Smith outlined his vision for a potential title run, stating that stringing together two or three consecutive wins could earn him a shot at then-reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira:

"He’s [Pereira] fun, and him and I have had our words back-and-forth. I don’t think that there’s any real beef there, but there’s definitely something there with him and I, where, given the opportunity, we both would jump on it. If I can put myself into a position where, holy sh*t, here, we’re on a little bit of a streak and things are going well, the timing works out, I think both of us would jump on that opportunity."

Check out Anthony Smith's comments below (24:40):