Anthony Smith Gets Emotional About Late Friend And MMA Coach Scott Morton, Hopes UFC 310 Will Help Him Grieve

Introduction

Anthony Smith is set to face Jimmy Crute at UFC 310 on June 20th. In the lead-up to the fight, Smith has been open about how much he is struggling with the recent death of his friend and MMA coach, Scott Morton.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Smith said that he is still in shock from Morton’s death. “I don’t even know how to process it,” Smith said. “He was my best friend. He was like a brother to me.”

Friendship and Mentorship with Scott Morton

Smith and Morton met in 2010 when they were both training at the same gym. They quickly became friends and began training together regularly. Morton was a highly respected coach and helped Smith develop his skills as a fighter.

In 2013, Smith and Morton co-founded the Combat Sports Academy in Nebraska. The gym was a success and helped Smith and Morton to further their careers in MMA.

Morton died suddenly in May 2021 at the age of 41. His death was a shock to Smith and the entire MMA community.

Grief and the Upcoming Fight

Smith has said that he is using his training for UFC 310 as a way to cope with his grief. “I’m just trying to stay busy and focus on the fight,” Smith said. “It’s helping me to get through this tough time.”

Smith is hoping that a win at UFC 310 will help him to find some closure. “I know he would be proud of me if I won,” Smith said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make him proud.”

The Impact of Loss on Mental Health

The death of a loved one can have a profound impact on mental health. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it is important to allow yourself to experience the grieving process. However, grief can also lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems if it is not properly addressed.

There are a number of things that you can do to cope with grief. These include:

Talking to someone about your loss. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who is willing to listen.

Writing about your loss. This can be a helpful way to express your feelings and to process what has happened.

Spending time in nature. This can be a calming and peaceful way to connect with your thoughts and feelings.
Exercising. This can be a healthy way to release stress and to improve your mood.

If you are struggling to cope with grief, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to process your emotions and to develop coping mechanisms.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is an important part of dealing with grief. When you are grieving, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health. This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

It is also important to take time for yourself. This could mean reading a book, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.

Self-care is not selfish. It is essential for your well-being. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to cope with grief and to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

The death of a loved one is a difficult experience, and it is important to allow yourself to grieve. Grief is a natural process, and it takes time to heal. However, there are things that you can do to cope with grief and to take care of your mental health. If you are struggling to cope with grief, it is important to seek professional help.

Remember, you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time. With time and support, you will heal and you will be able to live a happy and fulfilling life again.