The brutal reality of Anthony Smith of mixed martial arts leaves fighters with struggles beyond the fight lineup. Whilst Dominick Reyes defeated Anthony “Lionheart” Smith at UFC 310 via TKO, it was Smith’s emotional journey that touched fans in a big way. A heartbreaking loss fueled his gritty showing behind the scenes: the death of his coach and lifelong friend, Scott Morton, a month before the bout.
A Mentor, a Brother and a Father Figure
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Scott Morton wasn’t just a coach for Anthony Smith; he was a linchpin in Smith’s life. “He was my mentor, big brother, and father figure all wrapped into one,” Smith wrote. The pair worked out together almost every day since Smith was 17 years old, forming an unbreakable bond. Morton, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was a mat favorite in Nebraska’s MMA and grappling scene. His premature death at age 47 created a void not just in Smith’s life, but in the local martial arts community.
But in his mourning, Smith decided to honor Morton how he knew best — by getting inside the octagon. After Morton died, Smith returned to Nebraska and threw himself into training, motivated by his coach’s reminder. “He was the glue that held us all together,” Smith said of Munoz, who found comfort in the camaraderie and discipline of his fight camp.
Fighting Through the Pain
For Smith, the bout with Dominick Reyes was more than a professional duty; it was a tribute to Morton. Dropping the match was never an option. Morton had previously advised Smith on career moves and had signed off on the Reyes fight, and Smith had been determined to honor that decision. But the emotional cost was evident.
“I don’t know how many times I could do this,” Smith said afterward in an interview with Joe Rogan. “Scott was my best friend, and I thought I could bury it. But I can’t even control it when I walk in here.” The fight appeared secondary; as far as Smith was concerned, Morton being out of his corner was the real news.
Reyes also sensed Smith’s emotional fragility that night. At the post-fight media gaggle, Reyes remembered one moment during the bout when Smith let his hands drop in an invitation for Reyes to hit him. “I complied,” Reyes said, adding, “It’s my job.” The exchange underscored the raw emotions driving Smith that night.
The Legacy of Scott Morton
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Scott Morton’s footprint reached well beyond the octagon. A native of Omaha and raised in Bellevue, he was a man of many talents. Morton, a former member of the Air Force with a remarkable seven-year career, pursued education vigorously, earning two master’s degrees and working on a Ph. D.
Morton, a coach at Skywalker 101, trained some of the toughest fighters in Omaha, among them Smith as well as Houston Alexander and Jake Ellenberger. Affectionately known as “The Professor,” Morton was completely devoted to his students and to his art form. Due to his energetic nature for the martial arts and thirst for teaching, he touched the lives of countless individuals.
His family also carries on Morton’s legacy. A father of three, he adored his children, encouraging their individual paths. His son, Lance, is also following in his footsteps; he is in a career in cybersecurity, and his daughters, Adrianna and Gabriella, continue to prevail over challenges with incredible resilience.
A Tribute to Resilience
🇺🇲 Anthony “Lionheart” Smith 🙌
[ via : @thefightbubble ] pic.twitter.com/PGWb0WMB8r
— MMA PROPAGANDE 👊🇫🇷 (@MMAPropagande) December 15, 2024
Anthony Smith’s UFC 310 performance wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about heart, love and honoring a legacy. Although battles transpire in the octagon, for Smith, this was a display of emotional fortitude and the lasting impact of a mentor.
As the MMA community mourns the passing of Scott Morton, his legacy and dedication to his students will leave an enduring legacy. For Smith, the fight goes on — not just in the octagon, but in preserving Morton’s legacy.
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