Dreams don't come true: Anthony Smith stopped in first in finale of fabulous MMA career

Adversity has been Anthony Smith's closest confidant during a remarkable 17-year MMA career that ended with tears on Saturday in Kansas City.

There were going to be tears regardless of the outcome of Smith's light heavyweight fight with Mingyang Zhang Saturday at T-Mobile Center, since Smith had announced weeks ago that this fight, his 60th, would be his last.

The UFC did him no favors, though. They put him in with a certified killer. Zhang entered with an 18-6 record, and each of his victories came in the first round. Saturday's win, Zhang's 19th, was no different.

He hit Smith with a trademark standing elbow and dropped him. He rained down elbows in the center of the Octagon until referee Jason Herzog was forced to step in and halt it.

Sad faces and tears filled the arena as Zhang ran off to celebrate and Smith stared at the canvas as reality hit.

The dream, at least of going out on top, turned into a nightmare.

But when Smith's family entered the cage and a tribute video began to play, the mood shifted. Highlights of Smith’s legendary career were shown, and tears gave way to smiles and thunderous applause.

One of the finest men to ever compete in the UFC was leaving on his terms, with his health intact and with a lot more wealth than he ever could have imagined.

Regardless of what the record books will show -- a loss in the final fight to drop his record to 38-22 -- Smith truly went out on top.

"When I started this game, I was homeless," Smith said. "I had nothing going for me, and this platform has allowed me to raise my family, my four beautiful daughters, and give them a life that I've never been able to have. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much."