If you’ve spent any time watching the UFC over the last decade, you know Anthony "Lionheart" Smith. He’s the guy who fought Jon Jones with a broken spirit and still wouldn't quit. He’s the guy who literally handed his own teeth to a referee mid-fight. But when fans start Googling Anthony Smith net worth, the numbers usually don't match the reality of a man who has spent nearly 20 years in the hurt business.
Most "celebrity wealth" trackers will slap a generic $2 million to $5 million tag on him and call it a day. Honestly? That’s probably selling him short, but not for the reasons you might think. As we sit here in 2026, Smith isn't just a retired fighter. He’s a multi-hyphenate media personality, a coach, and a brand.
The Gritty Reality of UFC Career Earnings
Let’s be real. In the UFC, you aren't getting LeBron James money unless your name is Conor McGregor. Anthony Smith, however, is a "company man." That carries a specific kind of financial weight. Over a professional career spanning 60 fights—38 wins and 22 losses—Smith has been one of the most active athletes on the roster.
His disclosed earnings for big fights tell part of the story. For his 2019 title shot against Jon Jones at UFC 235, Smith reportedly took home a flat $350,000 (show money), though the actual payout with behind-the-scenes bonuses and discretionary checks was likely significantly higher. By the time he hit his late-career run, Smith was consistently clearing six figures just to step into the Octagon.
Take a look at his 2024 and 2025 activity before he finally hung up the gloves. After his loss to Mingyang Zhang in April 2025, Smith retired with 25 UFC appearances. That activity level alone put him at the top of the Venum/Compliance payout scale, earning $21,000 per fight just for wearing the kit.
- Performance Bonuses: Smith was a bonus hunter. He racked up six Performance of the Night awards and one Fight of the Night. At $50,000 a pop, that’s an extra $350,000 in "locker room" cash that often gets overlooked in net worth estimates.
- The "Lionheart" Tax: Unlike many fighters who fight once a year, Smith would often take short-notice fights. The UFC rewards that kind of reliability with better contract terms. It’s estimated his total career cage earnings sit somewhere north of $4.5 million.
Why the "Fighter" Label is Only Half the Story
If Smith had stopped at fighting, his net worth would be a static number slowly dwindling. But he didn't. He pivoted. You've probably seen him on the desk at ESPN or heard him on SiriusXM. This is where the real "long money" lives in combat sports.
Unlike the physical toll of fighting, desk work has longevity. High-level analysts for ESPN often command salaries ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 annually depending on their contract depth. Smith has been a staple of the UFC’s broadcast team for years. By 2026, his role as a premier analyst is likely his primary income driver.
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Then there’s the podcasting and sponsorship world. Smith isn't just a guest; he’s a personality. Between Believe You Me (with Michael Bisping) and his own ventures, the ad revenue and personal sponsorships from companies like Monster Energy or various betting sites add a steady, six-figure stream of passive-ish income.
Real Talk: Expenses and the "Net" in Net Worth
People forget that a fighter’s "purse" isn't their "profit." When Smith makes $200,000 for a fight, he’s not putting $200,000 in the bank.
- Management: 10% to 20% goes to the agents who negotiate the deals.
- Coaching & Gym: Another 10% goes to Factory X and his training staff.
- Taxes: Being an independent contractor in Nebraska (and fighting in Vegas or abroad) means Uncle Sam takes a massive 30-40% chunk.
So, when you see a "net worth" figure, you have to account for the massive overhead of being a pro athlete. However, Smith has been famously smart with his money. He’s a family man with three daughters. He’s lived in Omaha, Nebraska, for much of his career—a place where $5 million goes a whole lot further than it does in Los Angeles or Miami.
The Breakdown: Anthony Smith Net Worth in 2026
If we aggregate his career earnings, his ongoing ESPN/SiriusXM salary, and his various business interests (including coaching and seminars), a realistic estimate for Anthony Smith net worth in 2026 sits between $4 million and $6 million.
It’s not "private jet" money, but it’s "never have to work a 9-to-5 again" money. It’s the result of being one of the toughest humans on the planet and having the foresight to realize your brain is worth more than your chin in the long run.
Factors that could boost this number:
- Real Estate: Smith has alluded to investments in property in the Midwest.
- Future Media Deals: If he moves into a full-time color commentary role (like Bisping or DC), his annual floor raises significantly.
- The "Bisping Effect": Building a massive YouTube/Podcast presence that he owns 100%.
What You Can Learn From Lionheart’s Finances
The biggest takeaway from Anthony Smith’s financial journey isn't the total number. It’s the diversification.
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Smith knew the clock was ticking on his athletic peak. He spent his "off-seasons" flying to Bristol, Connecticut, to sit in a suit and talk about fights for a fraction of what he made in the cage. Why? Because he was building a bridge.
If you're looking at your own career, think like Smith. Don't just rely on your primary skill. Find the "analyst" version of what you do. Build the relationships now so that when your "fighting years" are over, the paycheck doesn't stop.
Keep an eye on his media appearances. As the UFC continues to grow its global footprint, the value of a veteran who can explain the "why" behind the "what" is only going up. Anthony Smith is proof that you don't need a gold belt to end up with a gold-plated retirement.
Actionable Insight: If you're tracking athlete wealth, always look for their "exit ramp." A fighter with a microphone is almost always wealthier than a fighter with a title and no personality. Check out Smith's latest analysis on ESPN+ to see exactly how he's securing that 2026 revenue.