UFC Hamburg: Anthony Smith hopes to sneak into Daniel Cormier title fight with win over Shogun Rua

Daniel Cormeir has been on everyone’s radar after becoming only the second man ever to hold two separate division titles simultaneously, thanks to his knockout win over former Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 a week ago.

While it’s understandable everyone wants a piece of the “champ champ” fresh off his historic win, “DC” isn’t interested in facing just anybody, as he wants to end his career with legendary and big-money fights.

According to Anthony Smith, since Cormier is so interested in facing Maurico Rua for the Light Heavyweight title, he feels a win over “Shogun” at this Sunday night’s (July 22, 2018) UFC Fight Night 134 event in Hamburg, Germany should allow him to sneak into the title fight.

“If he thinks Shogun is the next guy, and I beat him, then I think rightfully, he gave me the opportunity to put my hand up,” Smith told MMAjunkie. “I think that he did that for me, and I don’t even know if he realizes that,” he added.

“[Cormier] isn’t excited about the [Alexander] Gustafsson fight, whether it’s a money thing or a new matchup,” he said. “I think I’m a fresh face, and that’s an exciting matchup for the fans, me versus ‘DC.’ But I haven’t even thought about that right now.”

Ilir Latifi wants you to take a number, “Lionheart.”

Smith is coming off one of the biggest wins of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, knocking out former 205-pound champion Rashad Evans in the very first round at UFC 225 a little over a month ago.

After a matchup against Rua fell into his lap due to this, Smith looks to make the most of his opportunity by defeating his second former world champion. That task got a bit tougher after “Shogun” found some added motivation thanks to Cormier’s desire to give him the next title shot.

To see the latest UFC Fight Night 134: “Shogun vs Smith” lineup click here.