Teixeira and Smith (right) (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Anthony Smith’s corner is taking criticism for allowing the battered fighter to come out for round five last night against Glover Teixeira, but the light-heavyweight contender is defending his coaches.

Smith faced Teixeira in the main event of UFC Jacksonville, and as the fight wore on, he absorbed many, punishing shots from the perennial contender. At the end of round four, Smith’s faced was battered and a Teixeira victory seemed certain.

The former middleweight came out for round five, but Teixeira dominated the frame and eventually, the fight was stopped late in the round.

While speaking to ESPN afterwards, however, Smith relayed that he would not have wanted his corner to stop the fight (quote via MMA Junkie).

“I’m good with the decisions the referee and my corner made,” Smith said. “When the ref made it clear he needed to see something or was gonna stop it, I did what I had to do to stay in the fight. I come out of battle with my shield or I come out on it. That’s my rule. Period.”

Smith reportedly incurred a broken nose, orbital bone and some broken teeth in the loss.