Scott Morton, coach and close friend of the UFC fighter Anthony Smith passed away on November 13, 2024, at 47, following a heart attack.
Anthony Smith was on Long Island training for a UFC 310 fight against Dominick Reyes on December 8, 2024, when he received the call that his longtime coach and friend, Scott Morton, had died.
Scott and Anthony had been acquaintances for a long time as coach-trainers and friends.
Morton had been on the career milestones of a UFC fighter. However, on December 8, in the fight against Dominik Reyes, Anthony walked to the octagon without Morton.
Highlights
- Anthony Smith’s longtime coach and friend, Scott Morton, died on November 13, 2024, at the age of 47.
- Scott Morton is survived by his parents, wife, and three children.
Morton was a native of Nebraska and had served in the US Air Force for 7 years.
Anthony Smith started training with Scott Morton when he was 17-year-old. He was one of the dearest people to the UFC fighter.
In the pre-fight press conference, Smith stated that he plans to enter the octagon and use it to help him grieve and tell the world about Scott Morton. The UFC veteran said,
vSaturday, I want to f*cking break something, and this is my outlet. I can’t do what I really want to do inside, anywhere else, with no consequences. That’s why I’m here…I don’t give a f*ck about winning. At all.
Anthony Smith
Moroever, Anthony’s wife, Mikhala Smith, shared a story on her social media remembering Coach Scott and his blessing to the Smith family.
Scott Morton Is Survived By His Parents, Theresa and Greg, His Wife, Amber Eldredge, And Children
Morton was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in Bellevue, where he attended Bryan High School.
Similarly, he was a quarterback for the 1995 Bears 7-3 Football team. Scott loved football and excelled in mixed martial arts. He was a renowned jiu-jitsu back belt and a fixture in grappling.
Scott was regarded as “The Professor” and trained some of the best fighters in the game, including his best friends, Anthony Smith, Houston Alexander, Jake, Joe Elenberger, and Jason Brilz.
However, Coach Morton’s legacy came to an end on November 13, 2024, when he passed away from a heart attack at 47.
Scott is survived by his mother, father, Theresa and Gerg Stenslokken, and grandmother, Jean Morris. His wife, Amber Eldredge, has a son and two daughters.
Scott Morton married his girlfriend, Amber, in 2016 at a small ceremony at his house in Nebraska. In 2015, they had two beautiful daughters, Adrianna Kay and Gabriella Joy Morton.
Morton also had one son, Lance Ryan Morton, from his previous relationship with his girlfriend, April Benson.
Furthermore, Scott Morton often posted about his live events and family moments on his Facebook account.
His son works in the field of cybersecurity, and his two daughters are in school are in middle school.
The untimely demise of Scott has devasted his family and friends. On November 18, 2024, Scott’s grandmother reminisced about her last moment with him. She writes,
August 24, 2024, taken in Photo booth at Tara & Kens wedding!The last picture of the 3 of us making fun memories! Scott wearing pink over sized glasses, Lance & me in the hat exchange toss! So happy I got these hanging on my frig door, never again!
Jean Morris
UFC Fighter Anthony Smith Calls On Fans And Public To Keep Scott Morton In Their Prayers
Anthony writes an emotional condolence on his Instagram post four days after Scott’s passing. The UFC fighter states,
I can’t believe I’m about to make this post. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know why this happened.how long we’ve been partners in crime and doing this journey called life together. that’s my ride or die. I don’t know what else to say, I’m heartbroken.
Anthony Smith
Furthermore, Anthony attached the celebration of life, funeral details, and time of Morton in his post and shouted at people to keep Scott Morton in their prayers.
Scott’s celebration of life was held on Sunday, November 24th, at Heafey Hoffman Dworak Cutler Mortuaries.
Similarly, he was laid to rest on November 25th at Omaha National Cemetery. The memorials and donations for Scott were directed to his children.
Additional Information
- Scott Morton served in the Air Force for 7 years at Offutt Air Force Base. He earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D while serving the country.
- Anthony Smith has admitted he will “probably” retire from UFC after his loss against Dominick Reyes on December 8, 2024. He has been in the carrier since 2008.
- Anthony Smith and his wife, Mikhala Smith, are parents to four daughters.
