Sometimes all it takes is a few words to ignite a firestorm. The latest feud in the UFC world? Anthony Smith and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. What started as a critique of how Jackson handles his podcast guests turned into an exchange of heated words, social media back-and-forths, and even the possibility of a real-life clash.

But was it really bad blood or just a misunderstanding? Smith, a fighter who wears his heart on his sleeve, found himself at the center of the storm. And now, he’s come out to clear the air on the supposed “heat” that’s sprung up between him and ‘Rampage’!

Anthony Smith extends an olive branch to Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson

Despite how things escalated, Anthony Smith recently revealed that there’s no real animosity between him and Rampage. Speaking in an interview with ‘Submission Radio’, ‘Lionheart’ confessed, “I was shocked. I knew that there was a chance that, Dilashaw was gonna be p—-, which I don’t care about. And I knew Bear was gonna be p—-, probably, but I didn’t think for a second Rampage would be upset.”

Apparently, Smith had taken issue with a ‘JAXXON’ podcast episode featuring T.J. Dillashaw. During that conversation, Dillashaw called out Kevin Holland for his lack of discipline, saying the fighter would “never be a champion.” Somewhere in the mix, Smith caught a stray, prompting him to respond on his own podcast, ‘On Paper’. He criticized Rampage and his co-host, Bear Degidio, for their treatment of fighters, claiming “You bring me on I have an amazing time, and several months later you’re on there with Dillashaw f— making fun of me. That’s what they do, that’s their thing. Honestly, it’s less Rampage, he’s just kind of the funny ha ha guy, and he just laughs about stuff.”

His words didn’t sit well with ‘Rampage’, who fired back in a profanity-laced tirade, even threatening a physical confrontation. Well, according to Smith, “He wasn’t mad about the things I said about Bryce, he’s fine with the criticism there. He was mad because he thought I was rehashing that he had made fun of me at one point in time and that I insinuated that he brings people on to make fun of them.”

Smith maintained that he never wanted to have “heat” with Jackson. Moreover, he’s gone out of his way to tell him that—privately and publicly. ‘Lionheart’ further shared, “I told him yesterday and I told him today, and I’ve said it to his face, and I’ve said it a hundred times, on multiple different platforms. Rampage was and is my favorite fighter. So, Rampage and I are good.”

So, where does this leave things? For Smith, the fire has been put out. He’s said his piece, made his respect for Jackson clear, and wants to move on. But with ‘Rampage’s history of speaking his mind and throwing hands, there’s always a chance that this story isn’t over just yet.

‘Rampage’ goes off on a heated tirade against “Lying Heart” Smith  

You don’t want to be in Quinton Jackson’s crosshairs when he’s mad. The former UFC champion, known for his incredible knockout power and even sharper words, didn’t just clap back at the perceived criticism from Anthony Smith. He erupted.

Speaking in a YouTube video, ‘Rampage’ fired off by stating, “When T.J. sat right m—– here and said you’ll never be champion and said that you f—– gave up, Bear and I f—— had your back and that’s why we were saying, ‘Lionheart,’ with a f—— nickname like Lionheart? Not ‘Lying Heart.’”

But Smith didn’t see it that way. Instead of taking the support, he saw mockery, and that, according to Rampage, was a betrayal. He continued his tirade by stating, “I’m going to tell you, tell that Anthony Smith m—–, call that m—– up, tell him to keep my m—– name out of his mouth. I see his b—  I’m going to smack the f— out of him.”

And so, while Anthony Smith insists the beef is squashed, Jackson’s fiery rant suggests he still might have some lingering sparks that may re-ignite. With both men known for their fighting spirit, inside and outside the cage, it’s hard to say if this chapter is truly closed. Will Smith’s attempt at peace hold up, or will ‘Rampage’ come swinging the next time they cross paths? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!